Innovative Homeless Shelter Reduces Overburdened Jail Population

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.

1 minute read

September 15, 2011, 10:00 AM PDT

By Tim Halbur

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..."

FULL STORY: How A County Reduces Homeless and Jail Populations Simultaneously

Thursday, September 15, 2011 in Governing Magazine

Social / Demographics Florida Homeless Shelters

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