July 2017 Summary
Committee on the Homeless
Wednesday, July 26, 2017
4:00 pm
Welcome & Introductions
•The Committee:
•Lori Bakkum
•Calvin Kohli
•Christina Labuzetta
•Valerie Navarrete, Chair
•Marcella Paz-Cohen
•Debra Schwartz
•Dona Zemo
Current Committee Vacancies:
* Commissioner Steinberg
* Mayor Philip Levine
•Staff:
•Nancy Grant
•Maria Ruiz
•Cpt. Robinson
•Sgt. Berrian
•Daniela Tamayo
•Valeria Oropallo
Meeting was called to order at 4:03pm. Introductions were made.
Members of the Public:
● Eric Schneider
● Bryant Wade Capley
● John Deutzman
● Adrian Gonzalez
Attendance
Approval of Meeting Summary
► Old Business
► Review of prior meeting summary
► Meet a Homeless Monthly – Chair
► Guest Speaker - Chair
1.The May minutes will be deferred until the pending member attendance issue is resolved.
2.The June minutes were moved by Ms. Zemo and seconded by Ms. Paz Cohen. Motion accepted by
acclimation.
3.Ms. LaBuzetta shared her experience with a homeless woman who shared her desire to relocate to
California. Staff advised that relocation services are available despite having expended the annual
allocation. The Chair advised she too can help.
4.Ms. Navarrete discussed inviting a speaker to address homeless youth and another to further discuss
the Lazarus Project and its possible expansion to the City.
Police Report
Captain Robinson presented data.
Captain Robinson asked the Committee to ask the Commission to expand the Homeless Outreach Office’s
hours to 11pm. Motion was made by Ms. Paz Cohen and seconded by Mr. Kohli. Motion passed unanimously.
New Business
► New Business
► Presentation of Client Experience – Ms. Ruiz (not reached June meeting)
Ms. Ruiz provided an overview of the client intake process and a sample client package.
Homeless Services Report
Ms. Ruiz shared data.
Good & Welfare
Mr. Bryant Capley of Miami-Dade County Public Library, Miami Beach Regional
Library, shared the services provided to the homeless in our community.
Mr. Deutzman shared information regarding a rape perpetuated by a homeless man.
Mr. Schneider expressed his dismay regarding how the community accepts
homelessness.
Adjournment
Our next meeting:
Wednesday, September 27, 2017
4:00 pm
TBA
The meeting was adjourned at 5:18pm.