In Jacksonville, Fla., college students have been facing a housing crisis for years. Some have slept in their cars because parking tickets cost less than rent. Others have left school not because of academic struggle but because they could not afford to live near campus.

When the Rev. Sarah Locke moved to Jacksonville in October 2017, she brought a passion for young adults and campus ministry. In January 2018, the Jacksonville Campus Ministry (JCM) board hired Locke as campus minister, with funding and office space provided by Redeemer Episcopal Church. The ministry quickly began to grow.

Jacksonville Campus Ministry was founded in 1972 (and incorporated in 1974) by a coalition of five denominations: the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), The Episcopal Church, The United Methodist Church, United Church of Christ and the Lutheran Church. Today JCM serves students at University of North Florida, Jacksonville University, Florida State College at Jacksonville and Edward Waters University. It also serves young adults in the Jacksonville area, whether they are alums or have never attended college.

As she served ecumenically with Jacksonville Campus Ministry, Locke continued hearing the same stories — hundreds of students on housing waiting lists and others living in their vehicles or leaving school due to rising costs.

When space became available after a tenant vacated the 3,000-square-foot office and education building on Redeemer's campus, Locke began to imagine new possibilities. She approached the Rev. Wiley Ammons, Redeemer’s rector, and together they explored how the space could support students.

Locke, Ammons, the congregation and the JCM board entered into discernment with a spirit of experimentation. As Locke described it, “We told each other, ‘We’re going to try this for a while and see what happens. If this turns out to be a terrible idea, we will do something else.’”

In summer 2023, they began renovations. Renovation and student housing costs were covered in part by funding from Redeemer members and the larger Jacksonville community, including Hodges Boulevard Presbyterian Church. The community also received regional and national support through National Lutheran Campus Ministry Inc. and Together in Mission (a grant through the ELCA Florida-Bahamas Synod). This was a project that captured the hearts of the wider community, and this was reflected in their generosity.  

With the help of contractors and volunteers, four offices and two half bathrooms were transformed into seven bedrooms, two full gender-neutral bathrooms, a kitchen, a common area and a laundry space. The vacant floor of Redeemer’s office building was transformed into a dormitory hall.  

As the story spread, support grew. Contractors upgraded materials at no additional cost. Volunteers gave their time. City officials offered guidance and assistance. Ammons reflected, “The surprising thing was what doors open in local government when you tell them what you are doing and why. It turns out that telling the story really works.”

The project was completed quickly and under budget. Community members responded generously — donating furniture, funding beds and contributing through grants and gifts. They shared a sense of purpose, and Redeemer House was born out of that momentum.

The residence has been full since it opened in fall 2023. Students live together in a comfortable and cozy dorm-style environment with a resident assistant to offer support. Many who move in are connected to campus ministry in some way or had a friend recommend the opportunity to them.  

For students, rent starts at $565 per month, plus utilities. Wifi is included with utilities so students can easily complete their work. To ensure accessibility, there are an elevator and two full, all-gender bathrooms, one with a roll-in shower. In addition to a lease, all students sign a community covenant with one another and the church to assuage any fears and ensure that everyone knows what is expected of them in this living environment. Students are invited but never required or expected to participate in church or campus ministry activities, nor must they be Christians to live at Redeemer House.  

In addition to the resident assistant, Locke works out of the building during the day to serve as a resource for students when she is not leading one of the many Jacksonville Campus Ministry programs throughout the week. "Food for Thought,” is hosted every Tuesday on the University of North Florida’s campus to share a meal together and connect with one another. Queer Bible Study offers an affirming space for students to be celebrated for all of who they are. Retreats and trips throughout the year create an opportunity to slow down and make time for deeper connections with one another. Many students at Redeemer House can be seen at these various events.  

And the work continues. JCM is now exploring partnerships with other congregations that have unused space including St. Andrew's House, a shared home for young adults who are discerning a call to professional ministry, beginning seminary, or exploring what faithful leadership might look like in their lives. The need for affordable housing remains significant. As Locke noted, “We could build a 300-person dorm and fill it easily.” JCM looks forward to continuing to respond with creativity, urgency and openness to needs as they continue to arise.  

Property Stewardship Lessons

1. Tell the story.  If God is doing something in your community, share it. You may discover that others are ready to support you and participate.

2. Build partnerships outside of the church. Look beyond your congregation to collaborators —nonprofits, civic leaders and neighbors — who can help bring a shared vision to life.

3. Embrace experimentation. Faithfulness does not require certainty. Trying something new, even something risky, can open pathways to where God is leading next.

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