Homeless Committee Meeting Minutes 10.20231
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: OCTOBER 17, 2023
SUBJECT: MINUTES OF THE COMMITTEE ON THE HOMELESS MEETING HELD ON
OCTOBER 17, 2023
ATTENDEES:
Darren Cefalu Lori Bakkum Charlotte Tomic
Karen Fryd Beatriz Hermann
Corey Narson Karen Edelstein
ABSENTEES:
Tiffany Heckler
LIAISON:
Janay Guerrero
Agenda
I. Call to Order & Introductions
Darren Cefalu, Chair
Meeting called to order at 4:35pm. Attendance was taken.
II. Approval of Prior Committee Meeting Minutes
Darren Cefalu, Chair
Action: Motion to approve prior minutes made by Karen Edelstein; seconded by
Charlotte Tomic. 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.
Committee member, Lori Bakkum, brought forth conversation on homeless persons’
access to COVID-19 vaccines. Committee Liaison will present idea to Camillus Health
Concern once agreement is executed.
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. Thus far, one (1) individual has accepted medication assistance but has
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Minutes- Committee on the Homeless
not accepted and retained shelter placement.
V. Miami Beach Police Department Update
Sgt. Jerome Berrian, MBPD Homeless Resource Unit (HRU)
• Item not heard. MBPD representative was not present.
Committee vice Chair, Charlotte Tomic, brought forth topic of sexual assault crimes occurring in
Miami Beach, inquiring on Police’s efforts for prevention. Due to Police not being present, topic
will be presented to MBPD representative at the November meeting.
VI. Homeless Outreach Services Update
Janay Guerrero, Homeless Program Coordinator
The following updates were provided:
• The Homeless Services Office has identified an agency, Camillus Health Concern,
Inc, to provide medical outreach to the homeless population of Miami Beach. The
agreement is in route for execution.
• For Fiscal Year 2023, the Homeless Outreach Services Team facilitated 541
shelter placements, and 305 relocations
VII. Follow-up Items
• Mt. Sinai donations
Committee will not be donating clothing as a board; will continue to gage need
and revisit the possibility of donating as a Committee at a later date.
• Homeless Awareness Mural
Committee member, Corey Narson, is still pending approval process for the
commencement of donated art.
Committee member, Beatriz Hermann made suggestion of contacting Burleigh
House in North Beach to inquire on alternate location for art. Corey Narson will
take lead in contacting Burleigh House.
VIII. Public Right to be Heard
• No public attendees requested to be heard.
IX. Adjourn
Meeting adjourned.
Next meeting is scheduled for November 14th, 2023 at 4:30pm.