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LTC 163-2002 CITY OF MIAMI BEACH Office of the City Manager Letter to Commission No. /~c302t1t?2 ~ From: Mayor David Dermer and Members of the City Commission Jorge M. Gonzalez ~~ City Manager tl U HOMELESS CENSUS Date: July 9, 2002 To: Subject: This memorandum will serve to provide information on the results of the homeless census conducted on the evening of April 17, 2002, within the boundaries of Miami Beach. The recent homeless count or census conducted on April 17 , 2002, shows a decrease in the number of homeless individuals living in Miami Beach. This is the first significant decline in approximately two years for Miami Beach. As per Attachment A, during the November 2000 homeless census, 313 homeless individuals were counted in Miami Beach and the next two homeless counts conducted June 2001 , and November 2001, resulted in an average of 279 homeless individuals. The April 17 , 2002, homeless count shows that our homeless population is now at 255 homeless individuals. The decline in our homeless population is a direct result of the City's first homeless plan developed by the Administration and provided to you at the January 7, 2002, Commission Workshop on the Homeless. Due to funding constraints, not all components of the plan will be in place until Fiscal Year 2003. To date, we have implemented and are proactively engaging our homeless population through homeless prevention, outreach, assessment and placement and relocation services. Staff has also started a Miami Beach Providers Network to discuss homeless needs and gaps and enhance coordination of homeless services and providers. As previously reported to you on June 11, 2002, our aggressive homeless outreach and placement efforts has resulted in over 300 homeless individuals receiving assistance from the City. Additionally, through our relocation efforts, we have provided transportation to return home to fourteen (14) homeless individuals and families. Staff has also secured permanent housing for homeless families and individuals through FEMA funding and/or rental assistance. Our homeless strategy is modeled after the nationally recognized Continuum of Care plan which is proven to end the cycle of homelessness. The homeless census is coordinated by the Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust and is conducted twice during the calendar year usually in April and again, in November. It is also conducted in Miami as well as in unincorporated Miami-Dade County. Customarily, three teams, Team A, Band C, consisting of three volunteers including a team leader meet at approximately 9:30 P.M. and divide Miami Beach into three areas by zip code and in accordance with areas of high homeless concentration. The lead agency for the census is Douglas Gardens Community Mental Health, the designated outreach team for Miami Dade Homeless Trust. Letter to Commission July 8, 2002 Page 2 of 2 Team A covers the south end of Miami Beach, which is between Ocean Shore and First Street continuing onto Meridian Avenue and to South Pointe Park to 41 sl Street. This team concentrates their efforts on counting the homeless on the shoreline, Ocean Drive, Washington Avenue, Collins Avenue and Pennsylvania Avenue. The south end is divided into a grid and the main streets and avenues are used as dividers. Additionally, the team also drives through the alleys located near main streets. Team B covers the mid section of Miami Beach, between Meridian and West Avenue and from 5th Street to 41 sl Street. This team conducts the count by walking along Flamingo Park and Island View Park. They drive through the alleys from Meridian Avenue to West Avenue including 5th Street and Alton Road along 6th Street and Lenox Avenue. The team continues on foot from Meridian Avenue to Alton Road and drives through the rest of the alleys. Team C covers the north end of Miami Beach, which begins at 41st Street and ends at 87th Street. The census is started on Collins Avenue and continues to Alton Road. The team also walks through North Shore Park and Allison Island. The census concludes with a drive between the roads, alleys and bandstand. Once the census is completed, the agency supervisors tally the numbers and submit the information to Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust. I am encouraged by the latest statistical information on our homeless population and believe that with additional resources such as, the hiring of an additional formerly homeless outreach worker in October 2002, and enhancing our placement capabilities through the emergency/transitional-housing Request for Proposal we will continue to see progress in our homeless efforts. Additionally, the additional staff and resources will enable the city to initiate more aggressive homeless outreach that will result in more placements and relocation. Should you have any additional questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact this office. Attac~ ~PG c: Robert C. Middaugh, Assistant City Manager Vivian P. Guzman, Director, Neighborhood Services Department Attachment A City of Miami Beach Neighborhood Services Department Homeless Counts Homeless Individuals City of Miami Beach Homeless Count Oct. 98 - Apr. 02 400 300 200 100 o -+- Homeless Individuals Oct-98 Apr-OO Nov-OO Jun-01 Nov-01 Apr-02 Source: Dade County Homeless Trust m CITY OF MIAMI BEACH PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release Date: July 10, 2002 Contact: Nannette Rodriguez Phone: 305-673-7575 modriguez@ci.miami-beach.fl.us Miami Beach Efforts Lead to Decrease in Homeless Population Miami Beach, FL - A recent homeless count or census shows a decrease in the number of homeless individuals living in Miami Beach. This is the first significant decline in approximately two years for Miami Beach. During the November 2000 homeless census, 313 homeless individuals were counted in Miami Beach and the next two homeless counts conducted June 2001, and November 2001, resulted in an average of279 homeless individuals. The April 17, 2002, homeless count shows that the Miami Beach homeless population is now at 255. The decline in the Miami Beach homeless population is a direct result of the City's first homeless plan developed by the City Administration. The plan includes homeless prevention, outreach, assessment, and placement and relocation services. The City has also initiated a Miami Beach Providers Network to discuss homeless needs and gaps and enhances coordination of homeless services and providers. The City's homeless strategy is modeled after the nationally recognized Continuum of Care plan, which is proven to end the cycle ofhomelessness. Since its inception in October 2001, the Neighborhood Services Department Office of Homeless Coordination has offered assistance to over 300 homeless and/or near homeless individuals either through proactive homeless outreach, referrals from the police department or walk-ins at City Hall. Some of the assistance these individuals received were shelter placement, food vouchers, child-care, school emollment, referral for psychiatric evaluation, rental assistance and relocation services. Through the relocation efforts, 14 homeless individuals and families were provided transportation to return to their home and nine individuals received permanent housing through FEMA funding and/or rental assistance. Twenty-three were secured with Day Labor jobs and 15 were secured with permanent employment. -- more -- page 2/Homeless Population Decreases City of Miami Beach press release The homeless census is coordinated by the Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust and is conducted in Miami, Miami Beach and in unincorporated Miami-Dade County twice during the calendar year usually in April and November. On April 17, 2002, three teams consisting of three volunteers including a team leader divided Miami Beach into three areas by zip codes and accordance with areas of high homeless concentration and counted homeless individuals throughout the night beginning at 9:30 p.m. "While our daily challenge continues to be finding sufficient beds and services for all individuals that request or accept services, I am encouraged by the new count. I believe that with additional resources such as hiring an additional homeless outreach worker and enhancing our placement capabilities through emergency/transitional housing, we will continue to see progress in our homeless efforts," said Miami Beach City Manager Jorge M. Gonzalez. ### Call 305-673-7575NOICE to request material in accessible format, sign language interpreter (five days in advance), or information on access for persons with disabilities.