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Vice-Mayor’s Message

s we look to 2022, helping our homeless population continues to be a priority
for me. The City of Fort Lauderdale is taking a comprehensive approach
A to assisting the homeless, by working with numerous agencies, non-profit,
charitable, medical, and faith-based organizations that are dedicated to addressing
this complex and important issue. Our overarching goal is to provide a long-term
comprehensive solution for the homeless population.
While aiming for that goal, we are concurrently working to protect public safety and
maintain quality of life for our neighbors, businesses, and visitors. The City of Fort
Lauderdale Police Department (FLPD) continues to support the City’s homeless neighbors
through a variety of efforts. The Reunification Program assisted a total of 29 individuals
and three families to return to their relatives outside the City. As of November, the Unit has
contacted 1,112 homeless neighbors this year. In conjunction with the Task Force for
Ending Homelessness, the FLPD Homeless Outreach Officers made a total of 9,056
contacts which resulted in an additional 1,333 placements in 2021. The Unit is also
developing an officer training program to increase support for the homeless. Partnering
with the City’s Neighbor Support (NS) Division, this program is an innovative approach to
Heather Moraitis
District 1 Commissioner handling certain low-level misdemeanor crimes and violations of municipal ordinances.
City of Fort Lauderdale
hmoraitis@fortlauderdale.gov The FLPD Homeless Outreach Unit supports the Community Court’s weekly efforts to offer
individuals experiencing homelessness a chance to engage in treatment and social
services. The 17th Judicial Circuit Community Court at Fort Lauderdale City Hall is a
program that addresses the needs of at-large, homeless, petty crime and municipal
ordinance offenders and focuses on the root causes of each defendant’s issues. During
2021, the Broward County Clerk of Courts reported 58 cases filed through the
Community Court. In addition to those with court cases, the Community Court Program
City Hall, 8th Floor served approximately 137 walk-in clients. The network provided about 670 onsite goods
100 N Andrews Ave and services, including meals, haircuts, hygiene kits, clothing, bus passes, masks, and
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311
other items. In addition to the needed onsite services, approximately 291 referrals to
community services and treatment providers, such as mental health, housing, substance
abuse, employment, and skills training were provided to those seeking assistance.

Along with the City, Broward County has numerous resources available for people
experiencing homelessness including three Homeless Assistance Centers (HAC) located
in Fort Lauderdale, Pompano and Hollywood. Services include emergency housing,
food, clothing, intensive case management and timely access to mental health and
substance abuse treatment; education and job training; social skills development; health
Office Contact care; counseling; and other support services.
Melissa Coningsby
District 1 Commission Assistant The Broward Partnership for the Homeless is expanding its operations in our city. Currently,
mconingsby@fortlauderdale.gov they are constructing a 72 unit development called Seven on Seventh. This development will
954.828.5033 be a mixed use affordable residential apartment community, on their campus in downtown
Fort Lauderdale, specifically designed for low-income and formerly homeless individuals
and families. The Broward County Continuum of Care (CoC) is a collaborative network of
organizations, advocates, community residents, and businesses that plan programs with the
primary goal of alleviating homelessness in all areas of Broward County.
If you see an individual struggling with homelessness please contact the City of Fort
Lauderdale 24-Hour Customer Service Center at (954) 828-8000. Together, we can help
all of our neighbors, while keeping our community safe.

Sincerely,
CITY OF FORT LAUDERDALE Heather Moraitis
Vice Mayor & District 1 Commissioner
City of Fort Lauderdale

12 CORAL RIDGE COUNTRY CLUB ESTATES COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION