Use a former hotel to serve as temporary housing.
Build small cottage homes, or even use shipping containers.
Designate “safe parking lots,” where people living in their cars could park.
These and many more ideas to help the homeless were raised for consideration in Palm Beach County on Tuesday as county officials brainstormed for much-needed solutions. Homelessness has remained a key issue ahead of a new state law kicking in.
The law, which takes effect Oct. 1, will ban Florida’s homeless from sleeping in public spaces such as in parks, bus stops, on the beach and on sidewalks.
“We as a county are faced with some daunting challenges,” Palm Beach County Mayor Maria Sachs said during a workshop Tuesday.
While the law takes effect next week, there’s still one more key date next year: Beginning on Jan. 1, noncompliance could mean that a county or municipality risks legal action from residents, businesses, or the attorney general who could make a written complaint.
The bill, signed in March by Gov. Ron DeSantis, also was touted as a way to provide the homeless greater access to services. According to a news release from DeSantis’ office this year, the law “requires counties to ensure that homeless individuals receive the mental health and drug addiction services they need.” It also keeps homeless encampments from intruding on the state’s “citizens or undermine their quality of life,” the news release said.