Goff Family Shelter Celebrates Grand Opening on June 27
ST. AUGUSTINE, Florida (June 1, 2026)—St. Augustine Society is celebrating a major milestone with the opening of the Goff Family Shelter, a new support location specifically designed to accommodate families with minor children. They are inviting the community to tour the new space on Saturday, June 27, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., at 64 Washington St. in St. Augustine. It will officially welcome families through the doors beginning Wednesday, July 1.
“The opening of the Goff Family Shelter is a huge step toward providing a safe, secure space where families in crisis can seek help together,” says Joy Case, Director of Development at the St. Augustine Society, Inc. “Homelessness forces families into impossible situations. Parents and children may be separated based on age or availability. Siblings can end up in different places. It’s a time when families need connection most, and they are too often pulled apart. The Goff Family Shelter was created to change that. Now we can ensure that families with minor children can receive support together. We’re so grateful to the Goff family and all the donors who made this possible. It’s a space truly built by the community and is full of love, well-wishes, and hope.”
The Goff Family Shelter is located at 64 Washington St. in the historic Lincolnville neighborhood. The building is part of the ACCORD Freedom Trail and once housed the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), a Civil Rights organization founded by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The office hosted national leaders of the organization, including Reverend Ralph Abernathy, Andrew Young, and even Dr. King. The historic building was severely damaged by Hurricanes Matthew and Irma, but the St. Augustine Society has given it new life, with a purpose that closely aligns with Dr. King’s philosophy of loving thy neighbor.
The new Goff Family Shelter would not exist without the generous support of Fran and Bob Goff. "I've spent much of my life owning a successful business, and when we learned more about St. Francis House and all that they do, we recognized how well it is run,” says Bob Goff. “This project really spoke to our hearts, and we are honored to leave this legacy for our family.” The Goffs joined other donors and community members on Thursday, May 7, to sign the subflooring with well wishes and blessings for the future inhabitants. The Goff Family Shelter will feature nine family rooms, providing a total of 37 beds; nutritious meals and daily necessities; advocacy, referrals, and compassionate support services; and connections to community resources that will help families transition into permanent housing.
Local organizations sponsored each bedroom, providing furnishings to create a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere. Room sponsors include Rotary Clubs of St. Augustine, St. Augustine Beach, St. Augustine Sunrise, St. Augustine Sunset and Hastings, as well as Rotary District #6970; Memorial Lutheran Church of the Martyrs; Kiwanis Club of St. Augustine; Memorial Presbyterian Church; The Husain Family; LiveLikeLara Foundation; St. Augustine Elks Lodge #829; St. Augustine Lions Club; Neil Neighborhood House Auxiliary; In honor of Sarah Cottingham Page; The Kingsmore Family; and Reid Hunt.
The community is invited to tour the new Goff Family Shelter at 64 Washington St. on Saturday, June 27, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Remarks will be made by Judith Dembowski, Executive Director; Joy Case, Director of Development; and Scott Rock, Chairman of the Board of Directors, of the St. Augustine Society. Food and non-alcoholic drinks will be available for purchase.
