Homeless Trust response to Supreme Court ruling on Grants Pass v Johnson

"Banning people experiencing homelessness from camping outdoors will not solve homelessness. We have seen legislation like this in our own community. You don’t solve homelessness by corralling people outdoors, pushing it to the community next door, or thrusting it onto the criminal justice system. Every one of those so-called solutions is impractical and a waste of taxpayer dollars. We need an all-hands-on-deck approach with real solutions. We need investment and coordination between every level of government, as well as the private sector.  
 
"What sets Miami-Dade County apart, and what has helped us keep our per capita homeless numbers low is that we have a plan. We have leadership. And for the past 30 years, we have had a dedicated source of funding to tackle homelessness. We are leading with housing because we believe everyone should have a roof over their heads. What we are not is one size fits all. We have a lot of tools in our toolbox to meet people where they are -- specialized services for individuals suffering from mental illness and substance use disorders, a substantive and diverse array of emergency shelters, and a truly coordinated network of providers and partners.  We are laser-focused on ending homelessness.  Our leadership and frontline staff wake up each day ready to coordinate, innovate, and lean in because we truly believe homelessness is solvable.  
 
"We are hopeful that the Grants Pass decision will lend some urgency to the issue of homelessness. We desperately need to scale up comprehensive, communitywide solutions that are dignified, safe, and caring. We need to stop saying 'not in my backyard' and create permanent solutions that represent the best of humanity. That begins with housing that people can afford tailored to the unique needs of every individual."

— Ron Book, Chair, Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust

Additional Resources:

• 2024 Point in Time Count / Summary of Life-to-Date Numbers
• Homeless Trust website
• House Bill 1365 goes into effect in October 2024