Jacksonville Nonprofits > Nonprofit Toolbox > City Departments

Content

Jacksonville City Departments

Finance and Administration

Division of Grants and Contract Compliance

The Division of Grants and Contract Compliance within the Finance and Administration Department works to obtain federal, state, and private funding to increase the City of Jacksonville's capacity and capability to provide services to residents. The Division serves as a liaison for providing government Letters of Support, issues Public Service Grants, and manages violence reduction programs. The Grants Office also serve as a resource for City departments with grant research, award, and management.

Click below to access more information:

Click here to visit the Division of Grants and Contract Compliance webpage.

Procurement Division

The Procurement Division oversees the bidding and purchase process for everything the city buys, leases, or rents — including supplies, equipment, services, printing, warehousing and even insurance and surety bonds. The division standardizes specifications and ensures compliance with applicable codes, rules, and regulations. It also provides central reproduction and mailroom services.

Click below to learn more:

Click here to visit the Procurement Division’s webpage.

Jacksonville Fire & Rescue Department

Fire Safety Division:

The Jacksonville Fire Rescue Department has a Smoke Detector Program that will provide and install a free smoke detector for any qualifying Jacksonville resident living in a single-family or two-family residence. The department also will install replacement batteries in existing smoke detectors at no charge. For a free smoke detector or to arrange to have the batteries in an existing device replaced, call 904-630-CITY (2489), or visit MyJax online at www.myjax.custhelp.com/.

Rescue Division:

Project Save Lives - Opioid Epidemic Program

Project Save Lives a program within Duval County that provides specialized, coordinated, and seamless services for the treatment of drug addiction and substance misuse, thereby reducing dependence on drugs and alcohol and reducing drug-related deaths. Program services are currently provided through a partnership with the City of Jacksonville, Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department, Gateway Community Services, St. Vincent’s/Ascension Health, Memorial Hospital, Orange Park Medical Center, Baptist Health and UF Health.

Project Save Lives is funded in part by the City of Jacksonville and by each participating hospital. The City’s FY 2021/22 budget includes an appropriation of $1,128,348 to Gateway Community Services. Each of the seven participating hospitals also contributes funding toward their Peer Specialist positions. The program also receives funds from the Florida Department of Health in Duval County’s Overdose Data to Action grant (for Peer Navigators).

Safe & Healthy Neighborhoods Project - Treatment Centers (Community Narcan project)

The Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods Project aims to prevent and decrease opioid overdose deaths in Jacksonville. The project is funded through an approximate 1.5 million grant awarded to the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department (JFRD) by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

Community Outreach and Education - Drug Free Duval has contracted with the city to provide “Signs of Overdose and NARCAN Administration” training to community members, organizations, and businesses.
Treatment Centers - Gateway Community Services has contracted with the city to purchase and store the NARCAN, and to distribute to local substance use treatment providers.

Emergency Preparedness:

The Emergency Preparedness Division confronts potential and immediate disasters and city-wide emergencies such as hurricanes, tornadoes, flooding and terrorism through planning and preparations designed to save lives and minimize damage. Responsible for disaster preparedness in accordance with and in support of national and state emergency plans and programs, the division also serves as the Duval County Emergency Management agency overseeing the Emergency Operations Center. For more information, visit www.jaxready.com.

Shelter Information – Local Emergency Management officials determine which shelters will be opened during an incident and communicate this information through the media, social media, and the JaxReady App. The general population shelters are managed by the American Red Cross—these shelters are open to everyone and filled on a first served basis. Click here for more information. See below for information about pet friendly and special needs shelters.

Pet-Friendly Shelters: Animal Care and Protective Services facilitates the pet-friendly shelters
Special Needs Shelters: Duval County Health Department is responsible for the Special Needs Shelters.

Kids Hope Alliance

Kids Hope Alliance (KHA) is a funding agent for the City of Jacksonville. KHA invests millions annually in children's and youth programs and services in Duval County, simultaneously managing their implementation and monitoring their outcomes. Through the funding of third-party providers and strategic partnerships with local non-profit organizations, KHA is working to ensure thousands of at-hope children and youth have access to a continuum of critical services, including academics, enrichment, nutrition, and mental health.

Kids Hope Alliance invests in high quality programs and services with proven results support the varying needs of at-hope children, youth, and families in Duval County. Funding is provided through an RFP (Request for Proposal) process facilitated by the City of Jacksonville’s Procurement Department.

KHA invests in programs and services that align with our mission and fall within the following five essential service categories: 1) Early Learning, Literacy and School Readiness, 2) Juvenile Justice Prevention and Intervention Programming, 3) Out-Of-School Programming, 4) Pre-Teen and Teen Programming, 5) Special Needs.

Click below to learn more:

Click here to visit the Kids Hope Alliance website, and click here to sign up for the KHA e-newsletter.

Military Affairs & Veterans Department

As one of two cities in the country with a veterans & military department, the City of Jacksonville’s Military Affairs and Veterans Department works closely with area defense facilities, sponsors and promotes city-wide events as well as assists Veterans and their families file claims and apply for social and educational assistance. Click here to learn more about the department.

Veterans Services:

County Veteran Service Officers (VSOs) are certified, skilled professionals trained in developing veterans' claims for benefits by reviewing and applying relevant legislation, current law, protocols, and pertinent medical evidence. The VSOs assist Veterans and their families in filing for VA disability compensation, rehabilitation and education programs, pension and death benefits, employment and training programs, and many other programs. Click here to learn more.

Veterans Social Services:

The City of Jacksonville assists qualifying Veterans with a past due rent or utility bill. Their office provides direct financial assistance and/or budget counseling to Veterans in need using the same income standards as the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Income must not exceed 150% of the Federal Poverty Line. Click here to learn more.

Homeless Veteran Reintegration Program (HVRP):
HVRP provides an array of services utilizing a case management approach that directly assists homeless veterans and offers critical access to a variety of local support services. The program is employment focused, and veterans receive the employment and training services they need to re-enter the labor force. Support services such as interview clothing and work tools are made available to participants, as well as referrals to temporary, transitional, and permanent housing, medical and substance abuse treatment, and transportation assistance. Click here to learn more.

Neighborhoods Department

Animal Care & Protective Services

ACPS provides animal control to the citizens in Jacksonville by fair enforcement and community education. It enhances the quality of life in our neighborhoods by offering quality pets for adoption at a reasonable cost, and they provide a high level of service to the citizens of Jacksonville and to saving lives of all adoptable animals in our community. Click here to visit the ACPS webpage.

Spay/Neuter Programs: Spay Jax is a free spay and neuter program funded by the City of Jacksonville in partnership with First Coast No More Homeless Pets. Duval County residents that meet program qualifications may be eligible to have up to six pets spayed or neutered for free. Click here to learn more.
License Your Pet: Fees for registration in the City of Jacksonville are provided at no cost for up to three animals per household to owners who are: 62 or older and/or 100 percent disabled. Click here to learn more.

Housing and Community Development Division

The Housing and Community Development Division manages housing related initiatives on behalf of the City of Jacksonville to ensure the availability of affordable housing to low- and moderate-income persons within Duval County through public and private partnerships. Click here to learn more about the Housing and Community Development Division.

Housing Services Programs
Housing Services is responsible for the administration of Federal and State program funding received on behalf of the City of Jacksonville for affordable housing initiatives. The division is designated as the official housing agency for the City for affordable housing and all other similar matters except those for which the Jacksonville Housing Authority is responsible. These programs are awarded annually to the City of Jacksonville through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development HOME Investment Partnership Program ("HOME") and the State Housing Initiatives Partnership ("SHIP") Program. Click here for more information on Housing Services Programs.

Home Revolving Loan Fund Program
HCDD administers federal funds received from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development ("HUD"). The City uses the funds for the HOME Revolving Loan Fund ("RLF") to preserve neighborhoods, create and preserve affordable housing, and stimulate economic revitalization. Click here for more information on the HOME Revolving Loan Fund.

Community Development Programs
Community Development is responsible for the administration of the Community Development Block Grant ("CDBG"), Emergency Solutions Grant ("ESG"), and Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS ("HOPWA"), programs awarded annually to the City of Jacksonville through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The division releases a Universal Grant Application annually for these three federal grant programs. Click here for more information about these programs.

Surplus Property Donation Program
The City of Jacksonville/Duval County is required every three years to adopt an inventory list of all real property within the city to which the City/County holds fee simple title that is appropriate for use as potential affordable housing. The Real Estate Division determined that no need exists for the City or any independent agency, therefore the parcels meet the affordable housing criteria. Click here for more information about the Surplus Property Donation program.

Disaster Assistance Programs:
Visit the City of Jacksonville’s HCDD website for information regarding disaster assistance programs administered by the Housing and Community Development Division.

MyJax (previously 630-City Customer Service Center)

MyJax is your connection to city services and information. Submit a request for service, check the status of your request or find answers to city related questions. MyJax website: www.myjax.custhelp.com. Phone: (904) 630-CITY (2489).

Neighborhoods Services Office

The Neighborhood Services Office focuses on citizen participation and neighborhood improvements. This office coordinates the activities of the Neighborhood Coordinators, who work with neighborhood organizations, and six Citizen Planning Advisory Committees (CPACs). Click here to learn more.

CPACs: facilitate communication between city government and local communities, neighborhood organizations, local businesses, educational institutions, and residents to make sure the needs of the community are being met and neighborhoods maintain or improve the current standard of living. Click here to learn more.
Clean it Up, Green it Up: Organized volunteer groups can qualify for free support materials such as trash bags, gloves. Arrangements can also be made to borrow safety vests and litter collection pickup tools. Register your neighborhood cleanup here
Keep Jacksonville Beautiful (KJB): The Annual KJB Awards recognize individuals and entities for their outstanding and ongoing efforts in beautification, litter/graffiti prevention and liter cleanup in Duval County.
CommUniverCity: CommUniverCity is an annual community leadership training program held in the evenings each year. To register, contact the Neighborhoods Services Office at (940) 255- 8250 or email neighborhoodservices@coj.net.

Parks, Recreation and Community Service Department

The Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Service is comprised of the following divisions: Disabled Services, Natural & Marine Resources, Recreation & Community Programming, Senior Services, Social Services, and Sports & Entertainment. Click here to learn more about the department.

Disabled Services Division

The overall goal of the Disabled Services Division is to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities by addressing, researching, and attempting to resolve the many barriers they encounter. These barriers include transportation, housing, accessibility, discrimination, and employment. Click here to learn more and to sign up for the division’s email distribution list.

The Disabled Services Division provides the following resources in order to ensure accessibility for the disabled population of Jacksonville:

2022 Directory of Services for People with Disabilities (PDF document).
Emergency Preparedness for Special Needs
Click here to view additional resources.

Programs and services:

Recreation & Community Programming

Recreation and Community Programming (JaxParks) division staffs 31 community centers and provides a variety of activities for after school youth ages 5-17. In addition to special seasonal events held in the parks, pools and community centers, JaxParks also provides ongoing community programming for Jacksonville’s youth and adults by partnering with many City departments and outside organizations.

Drowning Prevention Program – The mission of this initiative is to provide free swim lessons to youth whose family are facing financial difficulties. The program will include lessons from March – November at 7 community pools recently outfitted with heaters as well as 27 unheated pools during the summer.

Senior Services Division

The Senior Services Division administers community-wide social service programs serving older adults in Jacksonville/Duval County. Click here to visit the Senior Services Division’s webpage. Programs/services within division:

Senior Center Services: The Community and Senior Center Services Program administers facilities, programs, activities, and services that support the successful living and aging of Jacksonville residents. The cultural, educational, and social activities at the 20 centers are organized for active, engaged citizens 60 years of age and over. Click here to learn more about senior center services and click here to view the centers’ calendars and menus.

Foster Grandparent Program: Foster Grandparents serve children who are physically and intellectually disabled, visual or hearing impaired, and emotionally or physically abused. They assist in the development of children's motor and learning skills, serve as mentors and tutors, and help to restore and reinforce a sense of community and family values. Click here to learn more.

Independent Living Program: The Independent Living Program provides respite care, volunteer support, and educational services for low to moderate income homebound senior citizens and their caregivers. Click here to learn more.

RSVP Volunteer Program: RSVP is one of the largest volunteer efforts in the nation—matching community entities with individuals aged 55 and over who are willing to help. RSVP volunteers choose how and where they wish to serve and can even choose how many hours and what days they are available. Click here to learn more.

Transportation for Senior Citizens: The City of Jacksonville offers door-to-door transportation to and from its senior centers for eligible seniors living in Duval County. Click here to learn more.

Special Events for Seniors: Please the Senior Services webpage (or the Senior Services Division Facebook Page) regularly for updates. The Special Events for Seniors Office enables Jacksonville's seniors to enjoy cultural, educational, social and recreational events and to be recognized as valued members of the community. Individuals 60 and over are encouraged to participate and all events require an RSVP or ticket for admission.

Emergency Home Energy Assistance Program (EHEAP): The Emergency Home Energy Assistance Program (EHEAP) is available to assist seniors who are over 60 years old, and make less than 150 percent of the poverty level, catch up on their energy bills and prevent service disconnection. Click here to learn more.

To request a service or notify the City of Jacksonville of a service problem, call (904) 630-CITY (2489).

The Social Services Division provides vital funding to support eight State of Florida mandates, two city-mandated programs and four essential city services. Services are designed for people with substance abuse and mental health issues, AIDS and HIV, victims of crime, and individuals in need of emergency financial assistance. Click here to learn more. Programs within Social Services Division:

Emergency Assistance Program: The Social Services Division provides an Emergency Assistance Program to serve eligible households and individuals who are facing financial difficulties due to an emergency. The program provides temporary financial assistance to prevent eviction for non-payment of rent/mortgage or interruption of utilities. The Emergency Assistance Program also offers a Winter Crisis Program. Click here to learn more.

Victim Services Center: The City of Jacksonville's Social Services Division provides comprehensive case management, referral, and victim advocacy services to victims of crimes. All services are available to victims of crime and their significant others. Click here to learn more.

Criminal Justice Substance Abuse: The Criminal Justice Substance Abuse Program helps chemically dependent adults within the Duval County correctional system. The division contracts with agencies to provide services. Click here to learn more.

Mental Health Services: The Social Services Division provides matching dollars for mental health agencies/services. The division contracts with agencies to provide mental health services. Click here to learn more.

Ryan White HIV/AIDS Part A Program: The Ryan White Program is federally funded program that provides health and support services to persons living with HIV/AIDs in Clay, Duval, Nassau, and St. Johns Counties. The Social Services Division coordinates with Neighborhoods Housing Division (HOPWA) to coordinate payment of deposits (Housing) and rent (Social Services). Click here to learn more about the program.

Indigent Cremation Program: The program provides for cremation only. Eligibility is contingent on an assesment of income, assets and ability to pay for private funeral arrangements. For additional information about eligibility, please contact Eternity Funeral Homes and Crematory at (904) 348-5579 or Paulette Mitchell at (904) 255-3340.