A stronghold of city and county leaders, local organizations, advocates, and neighbors came together at Holiday Park on Thursday for a community outreach effort aimed at hearing the voices of the homeless community and changing their lives, one step at a time.  

This is the second year the City has participated in the symposium, which is a project of the Consumer Advocacy Committee, a voice for those struggling with homelessness and those receiving aid from the Broward County Continuum of Care.

“We continuously work with our community partners in an effort to end homelessness in our City. What we want to do as community leaders is offer assistance, resources and education. Not a handout, but a hand up,” said Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis.  

The symposium also provides a sounding board for the homeless to express what services they really need. 

“Providing support for those that are experiencing homelessness is very critical for our success,” said Fort Lauderdale City Manager Greg Chavarria. “I think that it’s important we host events like this that bring providers together so that people who are experiencing homelessness can take the next step,” he said. 

The City of Fort Lauderdale featured several initiatives including the police department’s Homeless Outreach Officers along with the 17th Judicial Circuit Community Court program. 

“This year alone community court has seen 600 walk-ins, so the perception that it’s just for people who have a notice to appear or are court ordered, we do way beyond that,” said Neighbor Support Manager Luisa Agathon.

Community Court helps members of the homeless community stay out of jail after being arrested for minor offenses by offering them social services that address drug abuse, mental health, and employment. Those in need can get services at City Hall located on 100 N. Andrews Avenue, every Wednesday at 11 a.m. 

The program was one of several exhibited at the symposium. 
 
“We are getting information from them, and they are getting information from us. What can we do better in our shelters? What can we do better in our outreach?” said Homeless Initiative Partnership Administrator Dr. Rebecca McGuire. “It is a community problem and the City was one of the first municipalities to step up and actually take an active role,” she said.