From David Volz
The Fort Lauderdale commission held a meeting to discuss the current situation with homelessness in the city.
The Commission was given an update about efforts to address homelessness in the City, including an overview of programs and services that are currently in place. In 2023, a point-in-time count found nearly 2,500 homeless individuals, both sheltered and unsheltered, in the county, including approximately 800 in Fort Lauderdale.
Currently, there are 612 shelter beds countywide, though only 553 are available at the moment due to construction work at one of the three facilities. Some of the initiatives to address homelessness in the City include Community Court, which provides a wide range of services, Fort Lauderdale Police Department’s Homeless Outreach Team (HOT), housing navigation, and more.
Moving forward, the City plans to secure 10 mental health beds and 10 substance abuse treatment beds, establish a temporary overnight respite shelter, and host educational town halls, among other actions. Over the long term, the city will explore programs such as safe parking and pallet homes while continuing to work with partners for a refined approach and satisfactory solution for issues related to homelessness. The Commission also reviewed actions the City will take to be compliant with the new state law that prohibits sleeping or camping on public property, including the process for reporting a possible violation.
Also, the Commission was provided with an overview of the progress made to the construction of the Prospect Lake Clean Water Center since the groundbreaking in October 2023. The new facility will replace the Fiveash Water Treatment Plant and deliver clear, clean water to City residents. To date, the project site has been elevated by 7 feet, 27,000 of 37,000 linear feet of underground pipe has been installed, and 105,000 of 138,000 linear feet of underground electrical conduit has been installed. Progress continues as the underground and backfill phase is expected to be completed in October and the major equipment foundations are to be completed the following month. The facility is scheduled to begin operations in September 2026.
