MIAMI BEACH, FLA. (WSVN) - August began the start of “Operation Summer Relief,” a month-long initiative to support Miami Beach’s homeless population.
The initiative, which began on August 1, is designed to encourage individuals to take advantage of available services, including shelters, regular meals, and treatment for mental illness and addiction.
“August is traditionally a very hot month,” said Alba Tarre, Director of Housing and Community Services. “Now in the month of August, it’s really all hands on deck.”
Mayor Steven Meiner, alongside city commissioners and community leaders, introduced the program during a press conference outside Miami Beach City Hall last month.
“During the month of August, Miami Beach will see an extra boost in efforts and resources dedicated to addressing homelessness with a goal of not having any homeless person living on our streets,” said Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner in a press release. “My initiative aims to help the homeless and provide a lifeline, but we will also vigorously enforce our laws against sleeping on public property.”
The initiative features a community action team comprised of city staff, healthcare professionals, nonprofit organizations, business representatives, and volunteers.
“We have compassionate services, shelter services, family reunification and referrals and support services for those who need it most in our city,” said Tarre.
The team will distribute water, provide access to medical care and shelter, and offer social services and information on additional resources.
“Anybody that looks unhoused or are in need of cooling or water, I’ll go out and engage with them, offer them to come inside, just give them water, have a conversation with them,” said Jackie Clerk, a case worker for homeless outreach. “If their story seems like they could be one of our potential clients, we can offer them services.”
One member of the community action team is Roberto Morales.
“I get to do this job every day and where I get to do it from? From the heart,” said Morales. “The same services that I was afforded are services that I can afford to another individual today.
Now a certified recovery specialist for the homeless in Miami Beach, Morales once lived on the street himself.
“Fourteen-plus years on the streets, so I know what it’s like here on the streets, in and out of every gated community. You name it, been there, done that,” said Morales. “In the same office that I work for today, they are the ones who helped me get off the streets back in 2013.”
According to Miami Beach officials, at the last official count in January 2024, the total number of individuals experiencing homelessness in the city was 154. The initiative aims to keep the individuals from living on public property during August.
“We’re going to find the people, we’re going to give them those services,” said Miami Beach Fire Chief Digna Abello. “That is what we are cracking down on, to give people the ability to have those services.”
Regular updates will be provided to the mayor and city commission throughout the month, with a final report detailing the program’s outcomes, successes, and areas for improvement.
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