By restoring and expanding Debs Store with partners Lift Jax, Goodwill and VyStar, we are addressing food insecurity and improving families’ financial security at this strategic and historically important spot, right in the center of Eastside, Jacksonville.
Project Highlights
We restored and expanded the historic building at 1478 Florida Avenue. The original building is an iconic Eastside structure built in 1913 and operated as Debs Store for 90 years. The new structure expands the original footprint of 1200 square feet to 4600 square feet of community-centric space.
The Corner at Debs Store market features fresh, locally-sourced vegetables, fruits and other healthy choices through a not-for-profit model employing Eastside residents and using innovative programs such as a store loyalty program.
The second story of The Corner at Debs Store creates a flexible community center for education and connection. This allows Goodwill to provide best-in-class workforce development and career training services through its GoodCareers model. Financial fitness advisory services will also be provided by VyStar along with an ATM in the lobby.
Throughout The Corner at Debs Store, reminders of the Debs Store and Eastside legacy are retained and displayed providing visitors and customers a glimpse of the family grocery store of a century ago.
Making everyone feel welcome remains a priority of The Corner at Debs Store and its partners. We are proud of the welcoming space where community leaders continue to collaborate on additional ways to address residents’ needs.
How we did it
Reopened in Summer, 2024
89%
of residents surveyed said they would be supportive of a market at the Debs Store location.
67%
of residents said they would use services to help with job assistance and career counceling.
70%
of residents said they would seek services to help with financial management.
Our Partners and Sponsors
