homelessness in lee county, fl
THE PROBLEM
Lee County has identified that an
“insufficient public awareness of homelessness results in limited community engagement and involvement in addressing and preventing homelessness for individuals and families”
Lee’s Investment For Everyone
The initial increase of homelessness was due to Lee County’s economic recession in the mid-2008s. “In December 2008, there were 20,000 homes on the court docket for foreclosures with another 30,000 expected over the coming year.” Unemployment in Lee County hit 12% in 2009, the state’s highest rate in 16 years. The Point in Time Count concluded that there were 931 persons homeless in Lee County,an increase from 899 homeless people in 2008. 177 of those 931 persons are considered to be “Chronic Homeless” (L.I.F.E Ten-Year-Plan Report).
The number of displaced, homeless families and individuals has increased because of Hurricane Irma. According to the Homeless Coalition of Lee County’s Census Report, the homeless population has increased from 431 to 728 in the last year, and homeless families have increased from 38 to 90.
“the public, in general, does not understand the cost-effectiveness of homeless solutions and prevention programs.”
L.I.F.E Ten-Year-Plan Report
In a study commissioned bytheLee County Community Human Services Council, the cost to support “chronic homelessness” is reported at $56,250 per person compared to the $6,000 per person cost of individuals in “supportive housing” (L.I.F.E Report).
“Anti-poverty programs help alleviate costs.”
Florida Coalition for the Homeless
At the end of January 2019, Lee County surveyed the homeless for a Point in Time Count. Serval surveying locations were established so that Lee County could get a more accurate count. With the data collected from the Point in Time Count, Lee County will be able to update theirstatistics about Lee County’s homelessness and create well informed solutions to end homelessness for good. The Kindness Project packed about 60 bags to pass out at the surveying locations
THE SOLUTION
The Impact of the Kindness Project
Through the Kindness Project, students of Florida Gulf Coast University spread awareness about homelessness in Lee County to members of the community. The Kindness Project gives local businessmen and women the opportunity to positively impact their community through donating or volunteering.