Local community activists gathered at Currie Park in West Palm Beach recently to protest the implementation of a state law barring counties and municipalities from allowing people to camp or sleep overnight on public property.
The activists, part of a coalition of religious and community groups called PEACE, held signs aloft decrying the implementation of House Bill 1365 and urging local governments to do more to help the homeless.
“We need housing, not handcuffs,” said the Rev. Sheila Harvey, pastor at Union Congregational United Church of Christ during the Tuesday gathering. “Our various religious texts and traditions tell us to help the poor, feed the hungry, give water to the thirsty, and clothe the naked. This bill fundamentally goes against our different faith traditions that value the dignity and humanity of every human being. We can do better.”
What is the new Florida homeless law, HB 1365?
HB 1365 was signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis in March, and it went into effect on Oct. 1 . DeSantis praised the legislation as a bid to make city streets safer, and it gave the Republican governor an opportunity to take a shot at Democratic-led states that have struggled with huge homeless populations.