Helping people is in Daphne Jones’ blood.
The Gibsonton native was born into a migrant family and grew up in a household rooted in hard work.
“You did what you had to do,” Jones said. “You don’t take no for an answer. You don’t take excuses for an answer. I help everybody. It’s just in my heart. I guess that’s just who I am. It’s what I’m called to do.”
Jones is the founder of Eagle’s Nest Coalition Inc., a nonprofit which covers 4 acres of land on McIntosh Road. The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting for the organization, which is dedicated to helping the homeless, Saturday, July 30. Jones formed Eagle’s Nest about three years ago but earned nonprofit status in June.
The ribbon cutting for the coalition coincided with the grand opening of Eagle’s Nest Thrift Shop, a for-profit business Jones hopes she can eventually use to fund her nonprofit.
For Jones, thrifting was a hobby that turned into a way she could fuel her true passion: giving back.
The Coalition
It was Jones’ family, especially her grandmother, who instilled in her the desire to help others.
“I grew up with 12 other grandchildren,” Jones said. “My grandmother took in everybody. She instilled humbleness in me. Sometimes people wouldn’t treat her fairly.”
Even so, she never turned anyone away — a policy Jones has adopted at Eagle’s Nest Coalition.
A small home at the front of the property is used to house those in need. The coalition operates on an honor code: promises to be nonviolent, to stay away from drugs and to seek employment and a better future. The organization frequently works alongside the Thonotosassa-based foster home Everyday Blessings.
“We help them get any needed documents,” Linda McCabe, Jones’ assistant, said. “We provide for their daily needs. The housing is free for as long as they are actively employed. It humbles me immensely … (Jones) is in it for the greater good.”
When an individual in need comes to the coalition for help, Jones sets them up with housing and food and helps them obtain necessary documents to find a job. If the individual violates the zero tolerance policy for drugs, Jones will fund travel costs back to where they came from.
“I eventually want to see to every aspect of the homeless,” Jones said. “That includes helping people who get out of prison. I want to give second chances. We’re human. Nobody’s above reproach.”
For the last three years, the funds to help those in need have been coming from donations and out of Jones’ own pocket.
“I don’t ask,” she said. “I just do. I’m sharing out of the goodness of my heart. I believe God makes everything happen for a reason.”
Her newest endeavor, she hopes, will allow her to help even more.
The Thrift Store
The Eagle’s Nest Thrift Store just opened, but the walls of the warehouse are packed with records, beds and shabby-chic decor. Inventory rotates regularly.
“I love to decorate,” Jones said. “All of this is my personal touch.”
The home goods are labeled at discounted prices. Coffee mugs and CDs sell for as low as $1. Vinyl records vary from under $10 to $50. Pictures, antiques and desks are all unique.
In the back of the thrift store, a small room operates as the coalition’s library and resource center. Those without
access to the Internet can come to the thrift store to apply for jobs and obtain necessary documents. The library also is connected to ACCESS Florida, the Florida Department of Children and Families Automated Community Connection to Economic Self Sufficiency program. The program centers around helping those in need obtain benefits, including food stamps.
Jones already has plans for the future of both the shop and the coalition.
“We’re working toward getting staff members,” Jones said. “I eventually want a men’s center.”
She hopes to hire someone to live on the coalition’s grounds and oversee the housing area. She believes having an overnight mentor and supervisor would help with accountability.
“It has to be more of a heart (matter) than a job,” Jones said.
She also wants the thrift store to garner enough support to eventually be profitable — the funds of which would go back to the coalition.
“The more successful this gets, the more she’ll do,” McCabe said. “It really is a community resource.”
“There’s no red tape,” Jones said. “It’s just help.”
Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com.