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I am very proud that in May of 2023 we created a Homeless Advisory Committee. This committee is comprised of seven individuals that are residents, subject matter experts and business owners throughout the City. The purpose of the Homeless Advisory Committee is to advise the City Commission on the creation and implementation for a strategic plan to prevent, reduce and address homelessness, assist in identifying funding for homeless initiatives, review best practices in addressing homelessness, help raise awareness regarding the City’s actions in addressing homelessness and determine any gaps in programs that address homelessness and develop performance indicators.
My appointment on this committee, Paula Yukna, has first-hand experience with the homeless population and shortly after her appointment, she was selected as Chair of the committee by her peers. She volunteers at an organization called Ruth Ministries, located at the United Church of Christ Fort Lauderdale (2501 NE 30th Street). Every Thursday, Paula and a team of 20-30 volunteers help upwards of 150+ people receive a delicious meal, clothing, shoes and other essentials. I could not think of a more qualified individual to serve on this committee, and I thank her for accepting the role. For more information on Ruth Ministries please click on the attached link Ruth Ministry – United Church of Christ (uccftl.org)
The challenge of homelessness will not be solved overnight. Balancing the complex needs of individuals experiencing homelessness with the impact on city residents is not easy. I am proud to be a part of a city that has allocated generous funding, created countless initiatives and recently formed a committee of Fort Lauderdale residents to help us come together and find workable solutions to mitigate this ongoing concern.
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