What Is the Build It Forward Program?
The Build It Forward Program is a structured, supervised, faith-based work program designed for individuals who are reentering society after incarceration, as well as others transitioning out of crisis or instability.
Many participants are returning to the community after years — sometimes decades — in prison, often with limited support, limited opportunity, and little connection to stable housing or employment.
Rooted in Christian values and built in Christ, the program exists to help individuals rebuild not only housing, but purpose, identity, and direction through meaningful work and service.
Participants assist with cleaning and preparing homes, light renovation and improvement work, exterior and interior upkeep, community clean-up and organization, and ongoing property maintenance support.
They are not simply receiving housing — they are earning trust, rebuilding confidence, and helping restore opportunity for the next person.
Why Purpose Matters in Re-entry and Transition
Housing alone does not create stability.
Purpose creates momentum.
For individuals coming home from prison, the challenge is often greater than homelessness alone. Many are adjusting to:
Life outside institutional structure
Long gaps in employment history
Loss of identity, confidence, and direction
Limited opportunities to prove responsibility and reliability
From a faith-based perspective, we believe every person was created with purpose, regardless of past mistakes. When that purpose is missing, reentry becomes far more difficult.
The Build It Forward Program addresses this by giving participants real responsibility, structure, and a reason to show up each day — grounded in faith, accountability, and service — not idle time or busywork.
Our Focus:
Restoring the Homes Others Walk Away From
A core part of the Build It Forward model is intentionally working with the most neglected and distressed homes — properties others overlook, abandon, or deem too far gone.
This mirrors the reality many reentry participants face.
By restoring these homes, participants are able to:
Preserve the character and history of Jacksonville neighborhoods
Prevent blight from spreading and destabilizing surrounding areas
Reduce pressure on the housing market by returning homes to use
Create long-term housing inventory for future participants
Rather than removing these homes from the community, we bring them back to life — just as we believe people can be restored as well.
How It Works
Entry & Stabilization
Participants enter a Trinity Healing Homes placement where safety, structure, accountability, and faith-based support are established — a critical foundation for those reentering after incarceration.
2. Purpose Through Participation
As individuals stabilize, they are invited to take part in the Build It Forward Program based on ability, readiness, and willingness to engage.
3. Hands-On Contribution
Participants assist with real work on real homes — learning routines, teamwork, responsibility, and follow-through while seeing the direct results of their efforts.
4. A Self-Sustaining Housing Cycle
The homes improved today become safe, stable housing for the next person coming home, creating a cycle where each participant helps make reentry possible for someone else.
Why Build It Forward Is Different
It supports reentry with purpose, not punishment - Participants are trusted with responsibility, not defined by their past.
It rebuilds confidence through contribution - Helping restore homes helps individuals rebuild self-worth and belief in their ability to succeed.
It strengthens neighborhoods, not just individuals- By restoring the worst homes, the program stabilizes streets, preserves history, and improves community safety.
It creates future housing — not temporary fixes - Each restored home expands housing options for future reentry placements.
It builds real, transferable life skills
Participants gain experience in:
Work ethic and accountability
Property care and upkeep
Team collaboration
Time management
Responsibility and follow-through
These skills are essential for employment, compliance, independence, and long-term success after incarceration.
Who the Program Serves
The Build It Forward Program serves individuals who:
Are returning to society after incarceration
Are transitioning out of homelessness or crisis
Are rebuilding after long periods of instability
Need structure, purpose, and faith-based support during reentry
Participation in the Build It Forward Program is structured, paid work.
Participants are compensated for their contributions, allowing them to earn income immediately while working within a supportive, supervised environment. This income helps cover essential needs such as transportation, food, and clothing, while participants prepare for their next stage of life.
The Build It Forward Philosophy
We believe people heal when they are trusted with purpose.
Build It Forward is a faith-based, purpose-driven work program within Trinity Healing Homes that provides structured, paid work for individuals reentering society. Through meaningful contribution, participants rebuild dignity, confidence, and direction while meeting immediate needs and preparing for what comes next.
By restoring homes others have written off, participants experience firsthand that what was once broken can be rebuilt. Each restored home strengthens neighborhoods, preserves history, and creates opportunity for the next person.
Build It Forward is not about charity or punishment — it is about responsibility, stewardship, and second chances.
Restoring homes. Restoring lives. Respecting history.
The Bigger Picture
Build It Forward is more than a program — it is a faith-driven reentry and housing system.
A system where:
People returning from prison regain dignity through service
Historic neighborhoods are preserved
Housing supply is protected and expanded
The cycle of opportunity continues forward
