Each week on “On a Mission” we talk to community leaders who are out to make a positive impact in the area. Today, our host Wendy Norfleet talks to Carina Saladino from Mission House.

Mission House is a low barrier day facilities in the Jacksonville beaches area providing crisis care, workforce development, rapid rehousing, and medical care to our underserved homeless community.

To learn more, visit https://www.missionhousejax.org.

What makes your company unique?: We enroll our clients for success! We are the only full assistance agency for the beaches homeless community and have been for almost 25 years.

How do you define success?: At Mission House we definitely define success with each client we house. The only thing that ends homelessness is housing.

Who in the industry inspires you and why?: My clients inspire me every day. They live in a continuous state of crisis yet every morning still ask to work, ask to help and want to show their appreciation. I am humbled by their selflessness.

What is a tip for success that you would provide someone in your same industry?: Remember we are better together. No one agency can fulfill their mission alone. It is a combined effort of all people, all agencies, an entire community that brings a mission to life.

What excites you most about your industry?: The ability to help my clients live a self sufficient, vibrant, and successful life.

What is the biggest challenge you think you or your organization is going to face in the upcoming year?: Funding. Especially with the pandemic, funding is always an issue.