MELBOURNE, Fla. – Melbourne’s city council held a meeting Tuesday to discuss the lingering issue of homelessness in the city.
Billed as a “special workshop,” the meeting lasted nearly four hours, as the mayor, city council members, and residents weighed in on the current state of affairs and potential solutions.
“It’s pretty bad right now,” said one person during the public comment period. “It’s the first time I’ve seen it where I have not felt safe.”
During Tuesday’s meeting, David Gillespie, Melbourne’s police chief, was asked about previous comments in which he said 30% of the department’s calls were related to homelessness. Gillespie remarked that figure dates back to 2021 and is probably higher today.
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“This is our last chance,” one woman pleaded to council, speaking through tears. “We need you, please.”
Other residents echoed that plea of desperation, complaining about crime and drug use that they believe have been more evident as the homeless population rises.
The meeting came amid the backdrop of news that Melbourne’s non-profit soup kitchen, Daily Bread, would be closing. An affordable housing community, called Providence Place, is expected to break ground in its place and open by 2027.
While many people who attended Tuesday’s workshop appeared to be in agreement that homelessness has presented serious challenges, several representatives from non-profit organizations stood up during the public comment period to offer advice. They implored people in attendance to treat those experiencing homelessness with compassion.
“I just encourage you to not look at these neighbors and the challenges that we’ve talked about tonight in terms of problems to be removed but instead to look at our neighbors as people who need care,” said one man.
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