The new law in Florida prohibits homeless people from sleeping in public spaces such as sidewalks, parks and beaches. (EFE/Giorgio Viera)
Last Tuesday, a law in florida which prohibits homeless people sleep in public spaces as sidewalks, parks y beachesaccording to the agency AP. This measure, one of the strictest in the country to address homelessness, has left cities and counties with only three months to comply with the new requirements. From January 1both residents, business owners and the state will be able to sue municipalities that they consider are not doing enough to resolve the situation.
The ley requires local governments to enact ordinances that establish and strengthen programs aimed at getting homeless people off the streets. This measure affects approximately 31,000 homeless people in Floridaalthough some defenders insist that this figure is lower than the real one. Fort Lauderdale and other cities only have a short period of time to respond to these demands before legal action is possible.
Republican state senator Jonathan Martinwho sponsored the bill, justified the measure by saying that the responsibility to address the homelessness falls on the state and that it cannot wait any longer to solve the problem. The governor of Florida, Ron DeSantissupported the law, stating that it represents a necessary balance and prioritizes public safety.
Dean Trantalismayor of Fort Lauderdaleexpressed concern about the potential financial repercussions of the new law, noting that Many lawyers could take advantage of the situation to file lucrative lawsuits. This, according to Trantaliswould divert funds that could be used to alleviate the problem of homelessness, according to information from Associated Press.
Municipalities must comply with the new requirements within the next three months or face potential lawsuits. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
To help municipalities comply with the leythe state has allocated 30 million dollars. These funds are intended to provide mental health and substance abuse treatment to homeless people, but many local officials say the amount is not enough. Maximum county allocations are around 600,000 dollarswhich several local leaders consider insufficient to effectively address the problem.
The ley It also allows counties erect open-air camps, equipped with sanitary services and 24-hour security, in case there are not enough beds in the shelters. In the south of Floridacities and counties are looking for solutions that will allow them to avoid potential lawsuits without resorting to mass arrests. In the counties of Miami-Dade, Broward y Palm Beachapproximately 8,500 homeless people require housing despite long wait lists for affordable housing. In Browardabout 1,650 people are looking for housing, compared to 1,220 two years ago.
He sheriff de Broward, Gregory Tonynoted that the county jail system is not a solution to homelessness, stating that its officers will not arrest anyone simply for being homeless and that its jail will not accept anyone arrested by city police, as published by the South Florida Sun Sentinel. Miami-Dade has converted a hotel in shelter for homeless seniors and plans to acquire 175 prefabricated houses of two rooms. Palm Beach could designate overnight parking lots for people who live in their vehicles, according to Associated Press.
Some homeless tents are seen under the bridges in downtown Miami. EFE/EPA/CRISTOBAL HERRERA-ULASHKEVICH
Broward recently assigned $750,000 to acquire prefabricated shelters. Patrice Paldinodirector of the county agency that helps homeless people, said that after providing them with a home or shelter, they offer them counseling and other services to help get their lives back on track, according to Associated Press.
The group TaskForce Fore Ending Homelessnesswith which Broward has contracts, works to help homeless people find shelter, counseling and other services. Jacob Tornervice president of programs for the group, said the law focuses too much on the minority of homeless people with substance abuse problems. Erica Dorsettgroup program manager, visits hotspots in Fort Lauderdale to verify the status of the people they assist and pointed out that The lack of housing and shelters limits their abilities to help.
