Building Hope Through Community
Ending homelessness requires a community effort. Mary’s House is building relationships with donors, volunteers, businesses, service providers, and community organizations that share our commitment to helping people rebuild their lives.
While we work toward opening our facility, we remain committed to serving the Jacksonville community through outreach efforts, essential-item distributions, community events, and collaborative partnerships.
Our Mission
The mission of Mary’s House is to help unhoused veterans, women, and children move toward stability and self-sufficiency by providing safe transitional housing, food, clothing, educational opportunities, and supportive resources in a compassionate and nurturing environment.
Our Vision
Our vision is to create a community where people experiencing homelessness are treated with dignity, supported with compassion, and given the resources and opportunities needed to rebuild their lives.
Mary’s House is currently raising funds, building partnerships, and working toward acquiring a property for our future transitional housing facility in Jacksonville, Florida.
What We Are Building
Mary’s House is working to establish a safe transitional housing facility where unhoused veterans, women, and children can receive more than temporary shelter. Our goal is to provide essential needs, educational and employment resources, supportive services, and a compassionate environment where residents can begin rebuilding their lives.
We believe lasting change happens when people are given not only a place to stay, but also the dignity, encouragement, and tools needed to move forward.
The Woman Who Inspired Mary’s House
Mary’s House was created in honor of Mary E. Ward, a woman whose life was defined by generosity, compassion, and service to others.
She often said, “Feed the people. Let them eat until their bellies burst.” She never met a stranger and rarely encountered a person or cause she was unwilling to help. Mary taught her family that when you are blessed, you should bless others—and that no one around you should go without when it is within your power to help.
Inspired by her heart, her values, and the lessons she passed down to her family, Mary’s House was created to continue her legacy of feeding people, helping those in need, and making sure no one feels forgotten.
OUR LEADERSHIP
Behind every service we provide is a dedicated team of professionals, each bringing their unique expertise and enthusiasm to our business.
Shannon Ward
Founder
Being Mary's granddaughter it was something to see. Watching her grandmother go to the ends of the world to help others inspired Shannon throughout the years. She couldn't rest until she continued her grandmothers legacy.
Ruth Ward
Executive Director
Mary's daughter-in love. Ruth had many long nights and challenging days with Mary. Being up close to witness Mary's heart, Ruth brings that same compassion and unwavering love to helping others
David Gorman
Veteran Liasson
As a former unhoused disabled veteran, David brings the knowledge and connection to our veterans.
Join Our Cause
Mary’s House is still in the building stage, and community support is essential to bringing this vision to life. You can help by donating to our building fund, volunteering, contributing essential items, becoming a sponsor, or partnering with our organization.