Homeless

San Bernardino Strikes Deal to Address Homeless Camps, Plans Comprehensive Clearing Initiative

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San Bernardino, CA — In a significant move toward addressing homelessness, the city of San Bernardino has reached a legal settlement that will facilitate the clearing of numerous homeless encampments, marking an advance in the city’s ongoing efforts to manage its homeless population more effectively. The settlement results from a lawsuit initiated by several homeless individuals and advocacy groups who challenged the city’s handling of encampments. Under the terms of the new agreement, San Bernardino has committed to adhering to stricter guidelines prior to clearing encampments, which includes providing adequate notice and ensuring that displaced … Read more

Compassion on Wheels: Miami’s Innovative Approach to Assisting Homeless Individuals with Mental Health Needs

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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 … Read more

New Wave of Florida Laws Set to Transform Homeless Policies, Introduce ‘Margaritaville’ Plates, and Enhance Flood Disclosures

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Tallahassee, Fla. — Florida is set to enact a spate of new laws starting October 1, prompted by legislative decisions aimed at addressing issues from homelessness to homebuyer disclosures. Among the 34 laws to be implemented, a particularly controversial measure aims to restrict where homeless individuals can establish encampments, sparking debate across communities. The law, known as House Bill 1365, prohibits local governments from allowing homeless encampments on public properties like public buildings and rights of way, albeit allowing designated areas for sleeping. This significant move aligns with similar actions taken by other states following … Read more

Florida Set to Enforce New Homeless Regulations and Unveil Unique License Plates as Part of 34 Fresh Laws Coming in October 2024

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Tallahassee, Fla.— Florida is set to enact 34 new laws on Oct. 1, 2024, covering a broad spectrum of policies from homelessness regulations to consumer protection and environmental safety. Among the most debated is a law targeting the presence of homeless individuals in public spaces, alongside lighter cultural nods such as a new specialty license plate celebrating singer Jimmy Buffett. The homelessness regulation, known as HB 1365, stipulates local governments cannot allow people to sleep in public buildings, streets, or other rights of way. The statute, however, allows for designated areas where homeless individuals can … Read more