In 2010, The Mercy Network of Clay County--a dedicated group of faith-based, nonprofit and local government organizations who meet monthly to share resources and avoid duplication of services--was faced with a crisis. There was no housing in Clay County for families who lost their homes due to foreclosure. The members of The Mercy Network took on the project of establishing housing for these displ
aced families. In 2012, the members of The Mercy Network formed a 501(c)(3) Federal Nonprofit organization called, Mercy Support Services and invited Patrick Hayle, former CEO of the Jacksonville City Rescue Mission, to be the President and CEO. Today Mercy Support Services manages 3 quadruplexes for displaced families and individuals, has a full-time case manager, operates a Resource and Referral Call Center and is able to guide displaced people to self-sufficiency. In order for The Mercy Network to take-on additional projects of missing services, do long-term recovery for people struck by a natural disaster, or help Clay County residents who are in crisis, the number of stakeholders within their network need to be increased. Henceforth, bridges have been built with the Clay County Chamber of Commerce, Shaping Clay, Clay Action Coalition. In addition, the Nonprofit Center of Northeast Florida has been invited to work at engaging leaders to assess how they can be better served and what would motivate them to be part of an expanded SafetyNet Alliance. On April 21, 2016, 10am, at The Salvation Army Conference Room, the rebranding of The Mercy Network as The Clay SafetyNet Alliance will be launched. The Clay SafetyNet Alliance's goal is to invite more stakeholders in Clay County to be proactive by collaborating, sharing resources, expanding communication, avoiding duplication and championing common projects that will benefit the whole county. For more information, please call André Van Heerden, (305) 395-0912.
