More than $1.3 million could soon be headed to homeless shelters in Jacksonville, if city council approves the proposal later this month.
The money would pay for 110 new shelter beds spread between three local homeless shelters.
Council Finance Chair Ron Salem (R-Group 2 At-Large) filed the bill.
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“These beds that we’re contracting with are 24/7 beds. So, and they will provide wraparound services to these people,” said Salem.
Salem argued expanding shelter capacity is more important than ever, as the city already began enforcing the state-mandated ban on public sleeping and camping.
“The existing beds that we have in this community are pretty much full,” said Salem.
Enforcement began nearly two weeks ago, and 16 arrests were reported by JSO in the first week of enforcement alone.
According to Salem, it will be about two more weeks before his bill is expected to clear the finish line.
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