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Homeless Committee Meeting Minutes 11.20231 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: NOVEMBER 14, 2023 SUBJECT: MINUTES OF THE COMMITTEE ON THE HOMELESS MEETING HELD ON NOVEMBER 14, 2023 ATTENDEES: Darren Cefalu Lori Bakkum Charlotte Tomic Karen Fryd Beatriz Hermann Tiffany Heckler Corey Narson Karen Edelstein ABSENTEES: None LIAISON: Janay Guerrero Agenda I. Call to Order & Introductions Darren Cefalu, Chair Meeting called to order at 4:34pm. Attendance was taken. II. Approval of Prior Committee Meeting Minutes Darren Cefalu, Chair Action: Motion to approve prior minutes made by Charlotte Tomic; 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. IV. Lazarus Project Update Janay Guerrero, Homeless Program Coordinator The following update(s) were provided: • The Camillus House Lazarus Project continues to provide services to Miami Beach. • One (1) referred client has accepted medication services. 2 Minutes- Committee on the Homeless V. Miami Beach Police Department Update Sgt. Jerome Berrian, MBPD Homeless Resource Unit (HRU) • The new camping ordinance is now effective, but arrests are not yet being made as the Police Department is still undergoing training and ironing out the Legal aspects. • Officers are encountering a high number of transient homeless people that are migrating from the Miami area. • Police recently conducted an early morning homeless detail that resulted in 23 arrests. • Police continue to address the high-volume complaints from Area 2 (23rd-63rd Street). This area of the beach is difficult to access with traditional vehicles, so it is being addressed via smaller Police-issued vehicles. • In response to recent sexual battery case on Miami Beach, police will maintain continued enforcement during night hours over the next few months. • The collaborative early morning comprehensive detail that was taking place daily in conjunction with Homeless Outreach Services has come to an end. The following questions/concerns were expressed by Committee members: • Beatriz Herman inquired on whether the Commissioners were aware that arrests were not yet being made to enforce the new camping ordinance. Sergeant Berrian informed that he does not have direct communication with Commissioners regarding the ordinance, but the entire department is in the process of being trained. • Karen Fryd shared that walks the beach regularly and often observes homeless individuals sitting and lounging around but not bothering anyone, and she would like to know the Police’s stance on this issue. Sergeant Berrian conveyed that there is no legal action if no crime is being committed, but his team will continue to engage the homeless and offer services. VI. Homeless Outreach Services Update Janay Guerrero, Homeless Program Coordinator The following updates were provided: • The agreement with Camillus Health Concern to provide medical outreach to Miami Beach’s homeless clients has been executed and services have begun. • For this fiscal year (October 1-31st), the Homeless Outreach Services Team has facilitated 21 shelter placements and 20 family reunifications (relocations). The following questions/concerns were expressed by Committee members: • Tiffany Heckler shared that she recently encountered a homeless person that was in a potentially dangerous/life-threatening situation and inquired about the best way to help the homeless afterhours. Sergeant Berrian informed her to contact the Police emergency or non-emergency number, depending on the nature of the situation, or to contact him directly. • Beatriz Hermann inquired about the City’s $100,000 contract with Favela Miami and how those funds will be used to help the homeless. Homeless Program 3 Minutes- Committee on the Homeless Coordinator, Janay Guerrero, provided summary of the agreement’s Scope of Services that will provide temporary employment, resume building, and job referrals to clients that are placed into shelter by the City’s Homeless Outreach Services Team. VII. Follow-up Items Homeless Awareness Mural • Corey Narson has left two voicemails but has not been unable to contact a representative from the Burleigh House; Beatriz Hermann volunteered to visit the location on her own and report any relevant information back to the Committee. Committee Member Terms • Committee members were informed of their term information and how to apply for Committee reappointment. VIII. Public Right to be Heard • No public attendees requested to be heard. IX. Adjourn Meeting adjourned. Next meeting is scheduled for December 12th, 2023 at 4:30pm.