Homelessness exists in every major urban center, and in a world where the middle class is eroding, the presence of homeless people remains a reality on the streets of South Florida. However, Miami-Dade and Broward counties have strengthened their strategies. Rather than simply moving people living on the streets, they have created and implemented programs that combine social services, mental health support, and access to permanent housing. And it seems to be working.
Behind the statistics lie very different realities that can push a person into homelessness: job loss, high rent, mental health issues, addiction, aging, family breakdown, or an unforeseen event. And in both Miami-Dade and Broward, recent data show encouraging signs.
A New Approach
In Miami-Dade, the brand-new Better Way Navigation Center in Liberty City operates under this three-pronged program. The center can accommodate up to 80 people and offers temporary housing as well as services designed to facilitate the transition to stable housing. The center also aims to be more flexible. It allows pets and, in certain situations, enables couples or families to remain together. The county has allocated more than $10.6 million over seven years for this initiative.
Mental health has also become an essential component of the strategy. The county is working to launch its Center for Mental Health & Recovery, designed specifically for people with psychiatric issues who are at risk of homelessness. Supporters of the project estimate that approximately 1,000 chronically homeless people live with a serious mental illness.
In Broward, which includes Fort Lauderdale, services are also based on multiple levels of intervention: emergency shelter, housing assistance, rapid rehousing, permanent supported housing, and mental health services. The goal is not to treat all situations of homelessness the same way, but to tailor assistance to each person’s needs.
These initiatives are taking place within a new regulatory framework. As of January 1, 2025, Florida law prohibits municipalities and counties from allowing homeless people to camp or sleep in certain public spaces.
This desire to make homelessness less visible has, however, paved the way for a measure that shifts the focus from simply moving people along to providing a lasting solution.
A significant improvement!
In Miami-Dade, the January 2026 assessment recorded a 17% decrease in the number of people living without shelter, reaching its lowest level in over a decade. Despite this improvement, an estimated 3,500 people are still experiencing homelessness in the county.
In Broward, the 2025 count identified 2,188 people, 1,323 of whom were without shelter. For 2026, available data from the Florida Department of Health show a lower number, but we must wait for Broward County’s figures before confirming the downward trend. Furthermore, a one-time count alone cannot fully measure the extent of the situation. More than ever, economic, political, and social conditions are conducive to an increase in homelessness.
Striking a balance between public safety, respect for public spaces, and human dignity is no easy task. But encouraging and supporting local organizations that work with people experiencing homelessness is.
True success will not be making people experiencing homelessness less visible on our streets. It will be ensuring that they no longer need to live there.
Translated with Deepl
