Ta l l a h a s s e e ’ s homeless problem is ongoing crisis

BY STEPHANIE LAMBERT
Associate Editor

Though the colder weather has brought much-needed attention to Tallahassee’s homeless problem, Neal Pierce, supervisor of the Day Center at The Shelter, says this problem didn’t just start once the temperatures dropped.

“The City, as usual, dragged its feet, as if someone was waiting for somebody else to tell them what to do,” Pierce said.  “It’s an ongoing problem.”  The Shelter, located at 480 W. Tennessee Street, provides free, lodging accommodations to guests.

“The response from the community and the other shelters has been exemplarily,” Pierce said. “They need to know what we want and need and then prioritize it — needs to wants.” There have not been any reported deaths of homeless people this winter; however, last winter, four people were found dead in the Tallahassee community, according The Shelter’s Web site.  The Shelter depends on volunteers for many of its day-to-day operations.

When asked the best way to help the people of the Shelter, Pierce said, “Bring lots of money.”  “There are certain things that we are always short of,” he said.  “Just the kinds of things you would buy at the store every week.  We need that kind of input every day.”

On. Jan. 19, community members gathered at First Presbyterian Church to discuss the ongoing homeless problem in the area.  This wasn’t the first effort put forth to tackle this issue.  Earlier this month, the City of Tallahassee assisted various local agencies in identifying additional beds to those needing shelter.

In partnership with the Big Bend Homeless Coalition, 50 additional beds were made available at the Hope Community and another 50 beds available at the Hope House. The City of Tallahassee employees also assisted by collecting food and supplies, with those items given to The Shelter.

“City leaders will continue to monitor the shelter capacity conditions in the community and coordinate space as needed with area agencies, Leon County and the American Red Cross,” according to a release from The City.  HOPE Community, a program of the Big Bend Homeless Coalition, is a six-month transitional housing program for families experiencing homelessness in our community.

“It’s the right thing to do,” said Susan Pourciau, executive director of the Big Bend Homeless Coalition said about helping the homeless.