Impact
What Impact Can We Have?
Our organization can have a significant and far-reaching impact on our community’s legal system, governance, and society by organizing the power of the people at the local level.
Our Capital Area Justice Ministry member congregations use the small group model and collaboration to choose which community problems we will tackle each year.
Affordable Housing
On July 8th the Leon County Commission voted unanimously to include funding in the 2026 annual budget. With funds from other sources, this will mean $500,000 will be available in gap financing for affordable rental housing projects for very low and extremely low income residents.
Civil Citations
We continue to advocate for and monitor Civil Citations, Florida’s pre-arrest diversion program for youth.
Food Insecurity
Almost 30% of Leon County’s population is food insecure. This means just under 35,000 people cannot find enough food to eat. Our surrounding counties have equal or greater challenges.
Gun Violence Interruption
To address the problem of gun violence, CAJM pressed the city commission to invest $1-million dollars per year over the next five years into a proven national gun violence interruption program.
Mental Health
The purpose of the Capital Area Justice Ministry’s Mental Health Committee is to identify gaps in Leon County’s mental health system and develop actionable solutions that local stakeholders can pursue to strengthen care and support for people living with mental illness. Through research and conversations with local providers and leaders, the committee is working to better understand where the system is functioning well and where community needs remain unmet.