Jacksonville Mayor Unveils Budget Proposal with $10 Million to Combat Homelessness

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Jacksonville, FL - Mayor Donna Deegan announced her budget proposal last Monday, with combatting homelessness being a major focus. “We wanted people to have some dignity with this process,” Deegan said.

The budget includes $10 million dedicated to aiding those currently unhoused. Deegan elaborated on her new approach, “You will see that full plan soon. But it comes with wraparound services, it comes with housing, and there are various forms of housing that we’re going to be putting people into. We wanted to avoid having a tent city.”

This proposal coincides with the upcoming implementation of House Bill 1365, which goes into effect on October 1. The new law will prevent people from camping or sleeping in public spaces.

“So the best thing in this bill is that our Florida Legislature agreed that no Floridians should have to sleep in the rough or outside without anything, right. I think we can all agree that no human being should be forced to sleep out in Florida,” said Dawn Gilman, CEO of Changing Homelessness.

Ron DeSantis signed the bill into law in March. News4JAX reporter Erik Avanier spoke with people experiencing homelessness about the implications of the bill. “What are they going to do, arrest me? Well, at least I get three meals and a cot. That’s the only way they’re going to keep me from doing that,” said Patricia, one of the affected individuals.

The law mandates that people experiencing homelessness must go to temporary shelters monitored by law enforcement. If those shelters reach capacity, temporary campsites can be set up, but they must have access to restrooms and running water. Drug and alcohol use will be prohibited in these areas.

The council’s finance committee will meet throughout August to discuss Deegan’s proposed budget before the full city council votes on it in September.

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