Homeless Committee Meeting Minutes 12.20231
Minutes- Committee on the Homeless
City of Miami Beach, 1700 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, Florida 33139, www.miamibeachfl.gov
Committee on the Homeless Meeting
DATE: DECEMBER 12, 2023
SUBJECT: MINUTES OF THE COMMITTEE ON THE HOMELESS MEETING HELD ON
DECEMBER 12, 2023
ATTENDEES:
Charlotte Tomic Lori Bakkum
Karen Fryd Beatriz Hermann
Karen Edelstein Tiffany Heckler
ABSENTEES:
Darren Cefalu
Corey Narson
LIAISON:
Janay Guerrero
Agenda
I. Call to Order & Introductions
Charlotte Tomic, Vice Chair
Meeting called to order at 4:34pm. Attendance was taken.
II. Approval of Prior Committee Meeting Minutes
Charlotte Tomic, Vice Chair
Action: Motion to approve prior minutes by Lori Bakkum; seconded by Beatriz Hermann.
Motion passed unanimously.
III. Covid-19 Update
Janay Guerrero, Homeless Program Coordinator
The following update(s) were provided:
• No recent COVID-19 outbreaks have occurred since last meeting; no noted
concerns.
• Camillus Health Concern has reported that they do not administer COVID-19
vaccinations on the streets. Homeless clients that request vaccines are referred
to the Miami-Dade County Health Department.
IV. Lazarus Project Update
Janay Guerrero, Homeless Program Coordinator
The following update(s) were provided:
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Minutes- Committee on the Homeless
• The Camillus House Lazarus Project continues to provide services to Miami
Beach.
• Two (2) referred clients have accepted routine medication services.
V. Miami Beach Police Department Update
Sgt. Jerome Berrian, MBPD Homeless Resource Unit (HRU)
• Item not heard. MBPD representative was not present.
VI. Homeless Outreach Services Update
Janay Guerrero, Homeless Program Coordinator
The following updates were provided:
• The Division has is participating in a 1-week pilot program to offer services to
homeless individuals who are arrested in Miami Beach in relation to the newly
enforced camping ordinance. Staff is attending bond court to provide service-
related information.
• For this fiscal year (October 1-November 30th), the Homeless Outreach Services
Team has facilitated 62 shelter placements and 43 family reunifications
(relocations).
VII. Follow-up Items
Homeless Awareness Mural
• Committee member Beatriz Hermann will follow up on attempt to visit Burleigh
House to inquire about the donated art mural being placed on the side of the
building.
Committee Member Terms
• Committee members were reinformed of their term information and how to apply
for Committee reappointment.
Meeting location for 2024
• Committee was readvised that all future meetings would be held in person and
that members must be present to vote on any items. Location will be secured and
shared at a later date.
VIII. Public Right to be Heard
• No public attendees requested to be heard.
IX. Adjourn
Charlotte Tomic, Vice Chair
Meeting adjourned.
Next meeting is scheduled for January 9, 2024 at 4:30pm.