Leading grassroots economic justice in the South
Economic justice is about collective well-being and meaningful access to the income, power, and community that all humans need to flourish.
ABOUT US
We are an economic justice organization disrupting the cycle of poverty and mass incarceration.
Our vision for economic justice is grounded in three principles: income, power, and community. We believe that everyone needs access to income for economic stability, power to transform unjust systems, and community that offers belonging and connection.
We are community-led which means people impacted by poverty direct our priorities. We focus on the intersection of poverty and the carceral system because we have seen first hand how mass incarceration is both a cause and effect of poverty.
Our Program Areas
Just Income
Expanding access to income and economic stability for people impacted by the justice system.
Just Power
Building the power of impacted people to transform unjust systems so that everyone can reach their full potential.
Just Community
Growing community and bridging the gaps that isolate us so that everyone is fully valued and involved in driving change.
As Seen In
Grassroots Approach with National Impact
Community Spring is based in Gainesville, FL, but the impact of our work reaches far beyond the city limits.
Our innovative approach has made us a national model for economic justice. We demonstrate what’s possible in even the most challenge climates.
If we can do it here, it can be done anywhere.
Our Impact at a Glance
31%
decrease in the recidivism rate among Just Income participants with results continuing to get stronger
15
harmful justice system fees eliminated through our advocacy
40
cities and organizations we’ve consulted on starting guaranteed income programs
$2.5M
saved by families annually by making phone calls free from the Alachua County Jail
40K
people with expanded employment opportunities through Fair Chance Hiring law
$1.5M
invested directly into the community through fellowship wages and guaranteed income payments
Nobody Should Be Too Poor To Be Free
Together, we can end the cycle of poverty and mass incarceration.
Mass incarceration is both a cause and effect of poverty. Community Spring is responding by expanding access to income, advocating for policy change, and shifting harmful narratives.