Lee County, Florida saw a 30% increase in its homeless population. A new shelter system that addresses mental health and addiction problems is helping keep homeless out of jail and on the right track.
The Bob Janes Triage Center and Low Demand Shelter does not turn away those that are intoxicated or have a mental illness, unlike many other such centers in the U.S., writes Caroline Cournoyer:
"...nearly half the clients who have gone through the center have been placed into treatment programs or permanent housing. Having the shelter has reduced the amount of time police officers spend dealing with nonviolent, would-be offenders, meaning the cops are free to focus on more serious threats. The shelter has helped cut the number of low-level offenders in the county jail by 25 percent..."
Read the full story: How A County Reduces Homeless and Jail Populations Simultaneously
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FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
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City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS)
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
City of Cambridge
Montrose County
The Pocatello Development Authority