JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville’s City Council unanimously approved an amendment that appropriated $137,000 for the Homeward Bound Program, which helps unhoused residents return to their hometowns or reunite with family.
The funding drawn from the Special Law Enforcement Trust Fund will allow the program to continue providing transportation and other resources for individuals seeking a fresh start.
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Bill Clement, Chief of Budget & Management at JSO requested the amendment at the Neighborhoods, Community Services, Public Health and Safety Committee (NCSPHS) meeting on Oct. 14, 2024.
The Homeward Bound program is in response to HB 1365, a recent bill that makes public camping or sleeping on or in any public property or building unlawful unless designated by the city.
Jake Gordon, CEO of Downtown Vision Inc. (DVI) said 250 people utilized the program last year and 605 people were assisted in 2020.
He explained that the Homeward Bound program is under the JSO’s purview and that DVI is implementing it on a reimbursement basis.
The $137,000 is appropriated to the Special Law Enforcement Trust Fund revenue to provide DVI funding for the program’s continued operation.
Councilmember Ronald Salem expressed his support for the program and emphasized that it encompasses more than just the free bus ticket. It also involves connecting with family members and other resources as needed.
When Councilmember Ken Amaro asked Gordon how many people who used the program returned to Jacksonville, Gordon said nobody used the program twice.
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With the recent law prohibiting public camping, Sherrif T.K. Waters is focused on a public awareness campaign.
JSO’s pre-education campaign aims to inform people about the new public camping law. Sheriff T.K. Waters told News4JAX that people would first start getting warnings and detailed that JFRD would have a seven-member team in place to help people get into permanent housing.
If they refuse services and continue to camp publicly, that’s when the sheriff’s office will step in.
