For as long as local officials and the public have met to discuss Flagler County’s homeless issues, to the extent that they have since 2011, the favored conclusion has been as unfailing as it’s been conversation-ending: it’s not a Bunnell problem or a Palm Coast problem or a Flagler County problem, but a regional problem.
That’s been officials’ simplest way to punt on the issue–professing concern while really saying it’s not their problem. They’ve left it to existing county social services, non-profits and churches to pick up the pieces.
A meeting in Bunnell in 2011 reached that conclusion (“It’s a Flagler County problem,” Catherine Robinson, the Bunnell mayor then and now, said at the time.) Another meeting at the county reached the same conclusion two years later. Yet another “task force,” involving Palm Coast, did so in 2019, more than once. And a joint meeting of local governments did so again last fall.
Along the way, Bunnell in 2019 kicked the cold-weather shelter out of its long-time home at United Methodist Church in downtown Bunnell, allowing it, with small subsidies from the county and cities, to set up at Church on the Rock on U.S. 1, away from residential zones. The same year, the county razed a long-time homeless camp near the public library on Palm Coast Parkway, supposedly to make room for a Sheriff’s District Office, though that proved only to be a ruse to fence off the area: the Sheriff’s Operations Center was eventually built in Bunnell.
If and when the conversation turns to homelessness, as it rarely does at government meetings, it doesn’t change but for the officials speaking the words, as was the case Wednesday evening at another joint meeting of local governments, the third since last June and the second where homelessness was a central discussion point.
“You can’t run people out, I know that was in the press a couple of years ago,” Flagler Beach City Commission Chair Eric Cooley had said at the joint meeting last fall, a reference to the county’s ill-fated attempt, under then-Administrator Jerry Cameron, to ship the homeless to Russell Landing, a rather derelict camp site in the middle of nowhere. “Can’t do that. They have rights. We also have obligations.”
Cooley had proposed what, so far, has been unthinkable in Flagler County: joint funding by all local governments to provide some kind of sheltering system, when necessary. The proposal drew this response from Steve Emmett, the mayor of Beverly Beach: “We first have to understand that it’s a lifestyle. These are people that want to be out there. They don’t want shelter. They want to be able to go out and do their thing. We know that there’s two types–there’s the drug addicts, and there are the mental. ”
While Emmett, who does not see a solution, was accurate in so far as some of the homeless having addiction issues, and some having mental health problems, his words were a carbon copy of myths and misconceptions often repeated about the homeless, both as a shield from official responsibility and to the detriment of homeless individuals, many of whose transience is literal: they are not homeless by choice but by circumstances, especially when it comes to families with children.
Palm Coast Mayor David Alfin, citing a press report about boomers sliding into homelessness, disagreed with Emmett, but to say what his predecessors have been saying in Flagler County for years: “This is not a local, county, or even a regional problem. I need to elevate this to a national problem,” he said. “This is a problem that the entire country is going to face, and the reason I say that is not because it relieves us of any responsibility, but by first thought would be to increase our legislative priorities to include approaching the federal government, what funding would be available there, because money is at the base of all this. We understand that. Then also going to Tallahassee. I would think that we should exhaust those two potential resources to find out what can be had and lead the charge from there.”
But there is no appetite in Tallahassee–no bills to that effect, no legislative asks for funding for Flagler County–for spending on the homeless. Flagler County is moving ahead with numerous state-funded projects (roads, infrastructure plants, a YMCA) but there’s not so much as the glimmer of a proposal for a homeless shelter. When Alfin Wednesday evening asked Commissioner Donald O’Brien whether there was the possibility of such a shelter at the county fairgrounds, O’Brien said there was not. “In terms of sheltering, I think the reliance has been on on the nonprofits and the religious organizations to provide services whenever possible,” O’Brien said.
Cooley, who has been pushing the agenda item at the joint meetings, did so again Wednesday evening, and put it point blank: why not have a joint request from all local governments to the legislative delegation for funding that could lead to a shelter “or any other services that would be available,” he said.
“Do we want to have discussions on–should we as a county have a place to shelter those folks? Because we do have an obligation,” Cooley said, repeating his theme from the previous meeting. “There’s also a quality of life issue. If we have folks staying in parks or camping in parks because they have nowhere else to go, what is the long-term effect around the county if there’s nowhere else for those folks to go?”
“Certainly it wouldn’t be this legislative session,” O’Brien said, “and the downside is we’re pretty much losing all our power after this session, given the term limits for Speaker Renner and Senator Hutson. We’re going to kind of go back to square one so there’s not a lot of of hope there for extra support after this year. Not to say we can’t do it, but i guess we would have to flesh it out more, to understand what we would be asking.”
Cooley’s proposal is the most direct discussion about a potential shelter as there’s been in a decade and a half. But the ensuing discussion was just as inconclusive as it was last fall–as it’s been since 2011.
Wednesday’s meeting was also prone to generalities that were not necessarily based on evidence, as when Colley suggested that the homeless population was growing “exponentially,” or when Jeff Schuitema, the vice mayor of Beverly Beach, referred to a “20 percent increase in the homeless population.” It wasn’t clear whether he was referring to Flagler County or to national numbers. The figure is accurate nationally. It is not accurate locally, at last count.
Figures made available by Flagler Cares, the social services non-profit, point to 249 evictions in 2022, with 2023 on pace roughly to match that number: there’d been 217 evictions as of September, with the last three months of the year to be tabulated.
The Volusia Flagler County Coalition for the Homeless conducts the annual “point-in-time” census of the local homeless population every January. Volunteers fan out over Flagler and Volusia and literally count the number of homeless persons they see, after visiting areas known to be frequented by the homeless. The next count–conducted in every community in the country–took place Wednesday and today, though those numbers will not be available for at least a few weeks.
The January 2023 count saw a 17.8 percent increase in the homeless census in the two-county area, from 865 individuals to 1,053, among them 312 families with children and 80 veterans, with almost half being sheltered.
Of those, just 61 were in Flagler County, with only one individual found to be unsheltered in Flagler Beach, seven in Palm Coast, nine in Bunnell, and 12 in “unspecified” areas. Thirty-two of the homeless were considered sheltered. (See the full report here.)
The homeless trend in the two-county area, overall, is down considerably from its peak in 2012, when the point-in-time count found 2,384 individuals, though after bottoming out in 2018 at 683 individuals, the numbers have been rising slowly since.
Alfin referred to Flagler Cares as “a resource for grant opportunities and/or asks and things like that, and they do have some private funding sources which may be beneficial.” That approach, to others around the table, was preferable than relying on government. The deference was wrapped in flattery for non-profits like Flagler Cares. But it was also yet again a form of absolution for government, since non-profits’ funds are limited and restricted, or originate from government sources anyway (like Palm Coast), while government alone has the capability to taken on what Alfin himself had said is not a local problem.
The group agreed to discuss a “funding request” with each locally elected board to gauge whether there is an interest in going that route. What that funding request would look like, who it would be made to–the legislative session ends in a few weeks, and next year’s session will, as O’Brien noted, leave Flagler County in the wilderness–and what it would be spent on all remain unanswered questions.
Robjr says
Pretty slick or not so slick way that the homeless were moved out of Palm Coast.
I believe there was no intention of building a structure on the library property.
Now the town leaders can say, for marketing purposes and the so called quality of life purpose that ” see we don’t have THOSE kinds of people in our community.
palmcoaster says
Why not building some kind of campground with tent sites and vehicle sites where those in tents or living in cars can remain safe with campground his hers restrooms with showers. Some of the residents can be hired to do maintenance for a basic pay to keep the place neat and sanitized managed by the many volunteers that currently help the homeless an have a large open but underroof like gazebo where volunteer counselors can offer rehab and skills training to find employment . Law enforcement can make the same rounds they do in our communities to keep a campground watch, To be built only in land that county and city already own to build a simple cost effective facility to help our people fallen in hardship.
Nephew Of Uncle Sam says
That would make too much sense palmcoaster, though the dysfunctional GOP leaders here would never go for that either because it makes too much sense.
Flagler Countian says
People experiencing homelessness often choose to be near businesses, medical facilities, etc. There’s no place in Palm Coast where building code would allow this type of land use, and local residents would not agree to a zoning change to allow for it, as it would likekly be near residential homes. There are campgrounds where people can go, but the option to do so isn’t thwarted because of costs (people who are homeless often have some form of income), but because the locations are too far from stuff people need.
Uncle Jesse says
If you can find the man power and resources to arrest and jail people all day everyday for frivolousness than why is it a stretch to temporarily house people if they legitimately need it???
Denise Calderwood says
Those homeless people exist and they are us or it could be. The ALICE report from the United Way says so…. that way too many Flagler families are one paycheck away from being homeless. Wake up elected officials….and stop talking about an issue you know nothing about or do you care about…..our affordable developers are just stealing the incentives away from the not for profits and Flagler County has an affordable housing advisory board that knows all this information but nothing but hot air is coming out and it comes out of both ends…Thank you Commissioner Cooley for at least bringing up the issue….you probably don’t know that under Chairman Sullivan’s leadership our county gave back $750,000 back to the state because they didn’t know how to use it nor did anyone have a plan. And at one time we had a sort of successful not for profit called Family Promise of Flagler but we let it close down because of a lack of caring among the elected officials and county staff who are supposed to be helping people. And if Flagler Cares and the Volusia Flagler Homeless Coalition cares then they should be present at these meetings or at least lobbying on behalf of those in need but even they “don’t see the homeless” who are everywhere….I know since I get calls for help everyday…..I am apparently the only one who answers the phone!
Pogo says
@That’s just the way it is
Dave says
The homeless sure can afford some decent bikes. Just saying. But homelessness especially for our Vets is a huge problem throughout the world, not just in the US and it just seems to get worse each and every year and nothing anyone is doing can prevent it. A homeless person has got to want to change if given the opportunity for that change, like a task to self important and a job. But a lot, well do not want to take that step as they just don’t trust “the man”. Sad really.
Pogo says
@FWIW — the bigger picture
https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/local/volusia/2024/01/26/florida-affordable-housing-law-dubbed-live-local-act-could-undergo-changes-soon/72308486007/
Note: Careful, complete reading of FlaglerLive, and other sources, is the minimum requirement to make any useful sharing of anecdotes, so-called common sense, etc. And always, who profits, and when, and what, and how — and why.
“It ain’t what you don’t know that gets you into trouble. It’s what you know for sure that just ain’t so. “
– Mark Twain
Lynne says
The city where I moved when we left Florida, Las Cruces, NM, has a host of programs and resources to deal with the homeless problem, and quite openly declares that there is not one shoe that fits all. Use this URL below or Google “homelessness Las Cruces”
https://www.lascruces.gov/2570/Homelessness-Resources
In fact, just a couple of days ago, our new police chief hosted a town hall with four guest speakers to present some of the programs available in the city and to take questions from citizens.
But then, I’ve learned, since moving here six years ago, that New Mexico is much more caring of its citizens than Florida!
Lynne says
Here’s the URL for the Las Crucces City Council YouTube channel so you can watch the Town Hall. It is 1 1/2 hours but well worth the time.
https://www.youtube.com/live/T_Xpu-aZIkU?feature=shared
Chris says
Palm Coast is going to look like Los Angeles by years end with homeless and illegals.
Karen Hartford says
Illegals are not homeless. Many live in hotels, meals included. Maybe the homeless should claim to be illegals. Would get better places to live.
Ban the gop says
The only people that matter are wealthy , white and male according GOP legislation and rhetoric. Profits above all else and homeless people can be profitable for the prisons. I mean why don’t these people work for 8.25 hour so they can still be homeless but at least they help a company be more profitable.
Florida Girl says
The Bystander Effect
Pneumonia at twenty one,
The postman found her dead.
Today she’s in a paper,
That would once have been her bed.
Tommy Smith has read the news,
He shouts to tell his wife.
“That girl who slept outside the block,
Has sadly lost her life.”
“How terrible” said Mrs Smith,
While Tommy cooled his tea.
He mentioned it later that day,
To Joyce in 53.
Joyce had said it’s such a shame,
“A sign of this sad world”.
That it was only last weekend,
She’d stepped over the girl.
Eddie Fish at 41,
Had said it’s really sad.
Yet just last week he told the girl,
She made the block look bad.
Ava May at 32,
Did not know what to think.
She wouldn’t give her money,
It might go on drugs or drink.
Alice Crooks at sweet sixteen,
Had lived a life unsweet.
The bruises that were on her wrists,
Matched new ones on her feet.
She’d made it through a childhood,
Which was all neglect and fear.
She told herself that anywhere,
Would be better than here.
Packed her pockets full of dreams,
Then upped and ran away.
Hoped to find a better life,
It didn’t end that way.
Alice Crooks at twenty one,
Said life had faded black.
Sadly she had died last week,
Of life wounds to the back.
Martin Collins says
As vice chair person of the Sheltering Tree, I assure you that many homeless people have worked hard for many years but come across hard times due to issues like divorce, lack of affordable housing,medical bills job loss or workplace injuries, and many other legitimate issues that could happen to any one of us.
Each week we help people who cannot afford to pay their electric or water bills or cannot deal with their an unexpected car repair
Our group consists of 100% volunteers, who rely on generous donations from the public in order to provide very basic supports for the most vulnerable people in our county.
My point is that there are many people who run into homelessness who do not have addiction problems.
Our organization provides shelter when the weather drops below 40°, but isn’t it a shame that we have an animal shelter that is open seven days a week all year round, while we do not adequately look after our homeless fellow human beings,
I think the county could set aside a piece of land, and provide very simple cheap wooden homes like garden sheds with basics, like a bed and table and provide a central area with toilets and showers that would give our homeless people a basic level of dignity.
A graduate social worker could be employed to manage the property and to maintain standards and discipline and that I’m sure that many charitable and church groups would get involved in helping at no cost.
Perhaps we could take a small percentage of each persons Social Security or disability benefit to contribute towards the rent, and to ensure that the tenant maintains the property properly.
Thank you, Mr. Cooley for raising this issue and if you would ever like to brainstorm some ideas with our organization, please contact me anytime.
Our thanks also to Flaglerlive for their consistent support for our organization and for people in need
Martin Collins.
Flagler Countian says
In order for the county to set aside land, it would either have to take the land from a private owner by means of eminent domain, or have available some land that would be able to be used for this purpose. Then, you’d have to look at land development code to see if there would be any issues, and when looking at locations, the best option would be for it to be close to infrastructure, employment opportunities, medical facilities, etc, which, in much of Flagler County, would be near residents who would abolutely oppose any chance of doing this.
The county itself has a lean, limited budget. What would have to be cut or reduced to make this happen. It’s a real-life numbers game with genuine consequences.
There are no easy solutions. Focusing on available housing options does move the needle in the positive direction, though. Conversations always seem fruitless until one looks back. They start things, so don’t let up on the message.
Celia Pugliese says
You are so right Mr. Martin Collins as you and your 100 volunteers know well in the Sheltering Tree what is needed and yo u are correct like mentioned above. Have the county set a side a piece of land that I bet we (public) own s along Rte 1 ,or skirts of our cities and build a simple campground that the Sheltering Tree volunteers will be eager to manage, where in tents and parking sites with a large central gazebo hall type that will also work as a cold shelter as well for inclement weather and job training, rehab and counseling hall as well. His her bathrooms with showers. Maybe locate it near one of our existing churches that serve the needy as well. Could be named Flagler County Sheltering Tree or just Sheltering Tree is all cities as well contribute to it. We could have the current bus shuttle to stop there once or twice a day to offer transport for shopping or medical appointments. Lets treat those in need with care as no one exempted to become one.
To Flagler Countians like the one above please stop inventing tight budget excuse “The county itself has a lean, limited budget” when we are forced to fund this: https://flaglerlive.com/stop-gap-reserves-spending/#gsc.tab=0 of which after Petito’s lie that will be getting it all back we only were refunded by Corps Of Engineers 13.5 millions! So there we go 1.5 millions at least to preserve the ocean front those millionaire homes and businesses plus the 750,000 refunded when could have been uses to set our own Sheltering Tree Campground like our dedicated Denise Calderwood wrote above. Lets stop the scare that the community will not support a campground for the needy. Is time we have to give a safe place of learning jobs skills, rehab and counseling as we have many retired professional residents that will be eager to volunteer like the one’s at the sheltering tree, Calderwood and many more local organizations. The location I bet can organize fund raising event. Thank You all here and specially Mr. Cooley we need more like you in the BOCC and all cities government in 2024. Also TY to Denise Calderwood homeless advocate, Martin Collins Sheltering tree and his over 100 volunteers and Lynne newcomer from NM for telling us how it is and not as “how distorted by some.” My taxes should not only go to benefit the affluent but also the needy that will cost us less. To the residents lets ask every candidate also what is their opinion about resolving or help the needy with a campground to be built. Lets do nit dig our heads in the sand as the homeless issues affects all residents as well one way or the other. When the sheriff picks up a homeless person for any reason they do not have a place to take them to when they didn’t brake any laws, so lets have a place. When I called few weeks ago a homeless organization a lady last name Cancel left me a message that unfortunately was not much that can be done as Flagler County has thousands of homeless and not a program for them. Volusia County does. Sadly all I was told. Then Mr. Cooley is correct is time that something needs to be done.
Dennis C Rathsam says
When I moved to P?C, I was sadden by all the homeless by the library.I knew I had to do something. Every Christmas, and every Easter. I cooked a ham, & brought it to the homeless folks at this sight. I stopped when the sheriff kicked them all out! These people were happy to except my little something to help them. The first time I brought the ham to them, the gentleman took the pan from me and screamed to the others We got a ham, & its hot. They all came running, they all thanked me. I was so happy to do my part. I know I made thier day…. But they were the ones that made my day.
Endangered species says
Being poor is a crime apparently . They all just need to go work for 8 dollars an hour so they can still be homeless and poor but at least they can help make profits for shareholders.
Villein says
I think we might be talking cross purposes, are we trying to help people out of homelessness or just get rid of the problem a la Jerry Cameron?
Homelessness is in your face but many struggle with not enough food, dangerous living situations, and a general lack of security and stability from poverty.
It use to be people thought if you had a job you would be able to take care of yourself. Now we have working poor.
It would seem the root problem is inequality since we live in the richest country. The level of inequality is systemic and all encompassing. The only solution therefore is to change the system, but people like the system even if they suffer from it because change is frightening.