Miami, FL — As dawn breaks over Miami, a dedicated team from the Lazarus Project navigates the bustling streets of downtown and Northwest Miami. They seek out those struggling on the margins of society, including people like Douglas, who was recently found in dire straits – hungry, affected by lice, and in desperate need of medication.
Natalie Gild, a Lazarus Project manager, describes Douglas’ initial condition as aggressive and uncommunicative. “Over the past two or three months, there’s been a transformation. He now engages in conversation, shows happiness, and greets us with a smile,” Gild reflects.
The team, which includes case managers, a nurse, and a psychiatrist, provides crucial on-the-spot care to individuals with severe mental illnesses who are typically reluctant to seek shelter.
Psychiatrist Luis Gonzalez emphasizes the impact of their intervention. “There’s no instant cure for severe mental illness, but consistent medication can significantly improve their quality of life. We help them maintain personal hygiene and ensure they have meals,” he explains.
One such person is Connie, who has been homeless for nearly two decades and distrusts traditional healthcare settings. Despite her swollen and burnt feet, she prefers receiving aid on the sidewalks where she lives.
As blissful morning routines unfold in homes around Miami, the homeless face the looming enforcement of a new state law set to take effect on Oct. 1, which will ban sleeping in public areas such as streets, sidewalks, and parks. This legislative change has spurred local governments into action, prompted by the threat of fines and arrests.
The Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust is at the forefront of addressing the situation, urgently seeking lasting solutions. The county currently shelters almost 2,800 individuals in emergency facilities, with an additional 1,000 living without shelter.
Ron Book, chairman of the Homeless Trust, is committed to creating housing opportunities. “When we secure housing for one, it opens up a slot for another. This cycle helps us gradually reduce the number of people living on the streets,” he affirms.
Miami’s strategy to handle the new law involves exhaustively exploring all available options before considering arrests as a last resort. Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and Miami Mayor Francis Suarez are aligned in their approach, emphasizing the need for compassionate solutions over punitive measures.
“Our focus remains on securing housing, not filling jails,” Mayor Suarez states. “Arresting those in need simply adds to the burden of our justice system without addressing the root issues.”
The Homeless Trust advocates for permanent supportive housing as the best approach for those who remain unhoused due to mental health issues or addiction. In this arrangement, individuals receive their own living spaces while eschewing the conventional rules imposed by shelters.
“We promise consistent engagement; a case manager will visit regularly, ensuring ongoing support. Our success rate with this approach stands at 94 percent,” says Book, highlighting the effectiveness of persistent personal oversight.
Investments in infrastructure are also part of the Trust’s strategy. They have begun purchasing properties, such as a building in Overtown, to convert into permanent housing. Plans are underway to transform a former motel in Homestead into a residence for elderly homeless individuals, showcasing a proactive approach to community care.
Meanwhile, officials in Broward County are also racing against the clock to align with the incoming law, grappling with its implications just as their counterparts in Miami-Dade do. They are debating similar legislative measures and are eyeing an annual budget of about $43 million dedicated to housing the homeless.
As measures tighten, community members express mixed feelings. While some residents and business owners view the new law as a necessary step to reclaim public spaces, others, like those represented by the North Beach Restaurants and Shops Association, call for increased focus on mental health and housing services over purely restrictive laws.
In the ongoing battle against homelessness, local initiatives reflect a blend of urgency and compassion, aiming to strike a balance between maintaining public order and offering dignity to the most vulnerable members of the community. As enforcement day approaches, the efforts of Miami’s dedicated teams underscore a broader societal challenge — one that demands both immediate action and long-term commitment.