Homeless Committee Meeting Minutes 06.2023
Agenda
I. Call to order & Introductions, 2 min
Darren Cefalu, Chair
Action: Meeting called to order at 3:40 p.m. The following Committee members were present:
Darren Cefalu Lori Bakkum Charlotte Tomic
Michal Weinstein Karen Fryd Beatriz Hermann
Corey Narson Karen Edelstein
II. Approval of Prior Meeting Minutes, 2 min
Darren Cefalu, Chair
Action: Motion to approve prior minutes made by Karen Fryd; seconded by Beatriz Hermann. Unanimous
approval.
III. COVID-19 Update
Janay Guerrero, Homeless Program Coordinator
The following update(s) were provided:
• Shelters still have their respective COVID-19 restrictions in place
• Reports have been status quo; no major outbreaks reported
IV. Lazarus Project Update
Janay Guerrero, Homeless Program Coordinator
The following update(s) were provided:
• Homeless Outreach Services has referred 16 chronically homeless individuals/clients to the Lazarus
Project
• One (1) referred client has been reported as deceased
V. Miami Beach Police Dept. presentation, 10 min
Sgt. Jerome Berrian, MBPD
Item not heard. Miami Beach PD representative was not present.
VI. Homeless Outreach presentation, 10 min
Janay Guerrero, Homeless Program Coordinator, Housing & Community Services
• The Homeless Outreach Services Team has joined Miami Beach Police on early morning outreach missions,
beginning at 6am daily, to offer assistance to the homeless population.
• Two (2) candidates have been identified for the extended outreach team and are currently in process via
the City’s Human Resources Department. Extended outreach will begin upon completion of City
processes.
• For Fiscal Year 2023, the Homeless Outreach Services Team has facilitated 353 shelter placements, and
222 relocations.
Committee on the Homeless
June 13, 2023
Virtual:
Zoom meeting location emailed/posted
4:30pm
VII. Follow-Up Items
1. Affidavit of City Affiliation
A. Board & Committee members were reminded to submit Affidavits of City Affiliation and
Source of Income Statement to City Clerk’s office.
2. Mural for Homeless Awareness
A. Corey Narson reported that Commissioner Fernandez has a new assistance and they are
currently going through processes. She will keep the Committee posted on the outcomes
and updates.
VIII. Public Right to be Heard, 5 min
The following concerns were brought forth as a relayed message from the public:
1. Homeless patients being released from Mt. Sinai in hospital gowns and roaming the Mid-beach
area.
A. Information was provided on homeless patients often self-discharging against
medical advice and without original clothing.
B. Discussion of creating essential bags for homeless patients containing clothes and
other useful items
2. Public and tourists providing alcohol to homeless persons on the streets
A. Discussion determined that homeless persons often share alcohol amongst each
other, although this behavior is often discouraged by Homeless Outreach Services
and Police.
3. Homeless person on the street that needs eyeglasses
A. Homeless Outreach staff knows of the mentioned client and will reach out to offer
services and potential resources. It was also mentioned that Lindsey Hopkins offers
affordable eyeglasses on a sliding scale based on income.
IX. Adjourn, 1 min
Darren Cefalu, Chair
Meeting adjourned at 5:50p.m.
Next Meeting:
July 11, 2023
4:30pm
Virtual