Orlando taking homelessness seriously finally

Our position: The permanent commission on homeless has great opportunities
February 6, 2008

The easy part is over for a commission that came up with a workable framework to deal with Central Florida's homeless quandary.

The challenge now is to carry out that framework.

Will there be enough politicians and members of the business community involved to engage everyone else? Will cities and counties work together to find viable solutions such as establishing drop-in centers across the area? And, as always, will there be enough money? That will include $50 million in additional annual expense for Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties, and the city of Orlando.




The answers begin to unfold Feb. 13, when final recommendations are passed onto a permanent committee that includes Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and Orange County Mayor Rich Crotty as co-chairs.

That's more than a symbolic move. There has to be top-level involvement for this plan to have any chance of working. Mr. Dyer and Mr. Crotty can use their extensive influence and contacts to build support.

But it's also critical not to lose sight that this is a regional effort. That's why it's encouraging to see people such as Osceola County Commissioner Paul Owen willing to join the permanent commission.

Bringing all key people to the table is the only way this will work. This region has tried to deal with the homeless problem before. Not much has happened beyond the promise of getting something done.

Broken promises won't do this time. The work begins in earnest on Feb. 13.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/opinion/orl-ed06208feb06,0,4078046.story

The central Florida area has 1,400 homeless veterans and there are 20,000 in the state. This is not even counting the number of homeless families and other people who have been forced to hide out of the sight and minds of others. Glad Florida is finally doing this.