JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville City Council will vote Tuesday on an ordinance that would provide more than a million dollars toward increasing homeless shelter capacity.
Florida law bans people without homes from sleeping outdoors overnight in public places.
Recommended Videos
Councilman Ron Salem introduced the ordinance to the council. It would set aside about $1.3 million to add 110 beds to three Jacksonville shelters.
If the bill passes, the City Rescue Mission would get 26 beds, the Salvation Army would get 40 and the Trinity Rescue would get 44 beds.
The bill would also provide alternatives to sleeping on the street such as a free bus fare back to the hometown, something the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office has already begun.
Mayor Donna Deegan emphasized the importance of passing the ordinance.
“I think when you look at what is our most dire need right now, it’s making sure we create those additional shelter beds to make sure we can start getting people effectively off the streets, so we can then get them connected to services that are available to them. So getting those shelter beds is incredibly important, and a big step for us,” Deegan said.
What do you think about this bill? Let us know below.