Nearly half of all arrests in Miami Beach this year have been of people experiencing homelessness. Alarmingly, 60% of those in Miami are Black, which shows racial bias. The cost of jailing one person for 60 nights exceeds $17,000—around the same cost as the annual rent for a studio apartment.

Criminalizing homelessness is not only ineffective, but also inhumane. It exacerbates the struggles of vulnerable individuals, pushing them further into the margins of society. This approach does nothing to address the root causes of homelessness, such as lack of affordable housing, an inadequate minimum wage, and inaccessible health care. Instead, it punishes people for their poverty, leading to a vicious cycle of incarceration and recidivism. Resources spent on policing and jailing homeless individuals could be far better utilized in providing supportive services and housing solutions.. By criminalizing homelessness, we undermine the principles of compassion and justice, failing our societal duty to care for all members of our community.

Criminalization is fiscally irresponsible, a dangerous diversion of police resources and an expensive way to make homelessness worse.

To effectively ending homelessness the City of Miami Beach must adopt a Housing First approach. Housing First prioritizes providing permanent housing to homeless individuals without preconditions, recognizing that stable housing is a fundamental human right and the cornerstone for addressing other issues. Research consistently demonstrates that this approach significantly reduces homelessness and improves outcomes related to health, employment, and overall well-being.

Unlike traditional models that require individuals to address problems like addiction or mental health before obtaining housing, Housing First asserts that these issues are best addressed once a person is stably housed. By providing immediate access to permanent housing, individuals are given a stable environment where they can access support services more effectively. This approach not only fosters dignity and stability but also proves cost-effective. Studies show that Housing First reduces the strain on emergency services, healthcare systems, and the criminal justice system, leading to overall savings for communities.

Moreover, Housing First aligns with principles of human rights and social justice, ensuring that the most vulnerable among us are treated with respect and compassion. It acknowledges that everyone deserves a safe and secure place to live, and it empowers individuals to rebuild their lives on their own terms. By implementing Housing First solutions, we can make meaningful strides toward ending homelessness and creating a more equitable and humane society.

Housing First has proven to be the most effective, compassionate, and least expensive solution to addressing homelessness.

I urge you to end the current policy of arresting people experiencing homelessness and adopt Housing First initiatives. Our community's well-being depends on it.

Thank you for your attention to this important issue.