Donors Vince and Linda Ferrigno announce the expansion plans of Downtown Ecumenical Services Council on April 4, 2025. | Michelle Corum, Jacksonville Today
Published on April 7, 2025 at 11:15 am
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More people who struggle with poverty will get assistance thanks to the expansion of a faith-based organization in Downtown Jacksonville.
The Downtown Ecumenical Services Council — known as DESC — serves more than 7,000 people a year. It is moving from the basement of First Presbyterian Church, its home of 42 years, to a larger space less than a mile north.
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The new 10,000-square-foot location will include a lobby, restrooms and space for counseling. Preliminary site work is done, and a new roof has been installed.
The organization provides groceries, work shoes and emergency financial assistance to low-income people in Jacksonville. Executive Director David Clark says the need is greater than any one agency can provide.
“Particularly right now, I mean if we think about the economic conditions that we are in … all those challenges economically are going to actually impact and hurt the folks who live at poverty level and below.”
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Clark said Downtown Ecumenical Services helps people who “just come in for the transaction and leave.”
“This is not a long-term facility. It’s more of a retail mindset,” Clark said. “Come in, get assistance with groceries, clothing and if you need something else, we can help you with that; perhaps guide or navigate you in the right direction for the things you may be needing.”
To announce their new center, supporters symbolically started demolition with a “wall-breaking” inside their new Emergency Services Center on Liberty Street.
Wielding sledgehammers were Vince and Linda Ferrigno, major donors who started the monetary drive two years ago with a million-dollar gift to find the more spacious facility.
Along with support from other foundations and individuals, Downtown Ecumenical Services is less than a million dollars away from meeting its $3 million capital campaign goal. Barring any holdups in the city permitting process, the group expects to occupy the new building by fall.
Jacksonville City Council member Jimmy Peluso, who attended the wall-breaking ceremony, said he’ll do what he can to move the city’s permitting process along.
