DELAND, Fla. – Business owners in downtown DeLand said they are relieved to hear city leaders are looking to address the growing population of people experiencing homelessness in the city.
The city said many have accepted help from local shelters, but others keep refusing help and are now sleeping on the streets downtown and nearby. Three proposed ordinances could change that, though.
“We have always felt very helpless because we don’t know what to do,” said Tracey Word, owner of the Pretty Little Things shop.
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Word said many owners have been on edge with the growing problem and often find people sleeping in front of their shops and acting aggressive when asked to move.
“Sleeping in our alcoves, sitting behind the dumpsters, and little pods of people hanging out overnight and setting up camp sites,” Word said.
The three proposed ordinances would get the police more involved. They would not allow camping on public property, storing personal items in shopping carts and bags, and would not allow sleeping or lying on public benches. The city says the approach is needed for those refusing help.
“If we encounter a homeless individual, our police officers will ask them ‘Hey do you have a place to stay,’” said city spokesperson Chris Graham.
Graham said the police would then offer to connect the person with a local shelter that the city is partnering with.
“If they decline, they could be trespassed, cited, or potentially arrested but our main goal is really to connect them with the resources that can help them get back on their feet,” Graham said.
The first readings of the ordinances just passed and the second reading will be at the second meeting in February.
Martha Are, CEO of the Homeless Services Network in Central Florida, said the number of people experiencing homelessness in the region has skyrocketed with a lack in affordable housing. She said there is a 9% increase in the homeless population each time rent goes up $100.
“In our area, rent has gone up more than $600 in the last five years and that’s a significant increase in the number of people who are experiencing homelessness,” she said.
This local effort in DeLand also comes as two bills barring cities and counties from letting people camp or sleep in public are under debate in Tallahassee. The local governments could establish designated camping areas but would have to provide security and access to treatment.
“Unfortunately, there’s no funding associated with it, there’s no resources for communities to create these protected encampment areas or sheltered areas,” said Are.
The senate bill passed one committee so far and it will now move onto another committee before heading to the senate floor.
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