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Commissioner’s Message

Hello District 1 Neighbors!

HERE ARE A FEW UPDATES FOR THE MONTH OF JULY –
Fire Station 54: I am happy to report that Fire Station 54, located at 3201- 3299
NE 30th Court is on schedule for an end of summer move-in date. HVAC work is
almost complete and mold remediation is currently underway.

City Hall: As many of you are aware, City Hall was severely damaged during the
recent flooding event. As a result, the building can no longer be occupied. The
Commission and staff have been relocated into temporary space in a variety of
locations, with some employees also working from home. The city is exploring a
John Herbst variety of options for long-term temporary space, as well as a permanent home.
District 1 Commissioner Homelessness Concerns: Many of you have concerns over the district’s homelessness
City of Fort Lauderdale
jherbst@fortlauderdale.gov issue. To address these concerns, the City Commission has created a Homeless
Advisory Committee that will be tasked with the creation and implementation of
a strategic plan that will prevent, reduce, and address homelessness; assist in
identifying funding for homelessness initiatives; review best practices in addressing
homelessness; help raise awareness regarding the City’s actions in addressing
homelessness; and determine any gaps in programs that address homelessness and
develop performance indicators.
The City has also implemented the following Homeless Initiatives: Police Homeless
Outreach to build trust and instill a feeling of safety for those experiencing
homelessness when interacting with officers; Community Court to address low-
level misdemeanor offenses by providing community service opportunities in lieu
of incarceration; Housing Navigation Program to provide outreach and connect
Office Contact to homeless individuals to provide appropriate services; and Education to educate
Melissa Whiddon
District 1 Commission Assistant neighbors and businesses of the initiatives and local resources.
mwhiddon@fortlauderdale.gov
954.828.5033 What can you do? The following is a list of ideas and resources that you may utilize
to help the City address homelessness:
• Homeless Encampment: Email Office of Neighbor Support at neighborsupport@
fortlauderdale.gov
• Additional Resources: www.fortlauderdale.gov/helpnow
• To assist someone in need call the Homeless Helpline: (954) 563- HELP (4357)
• Resources within close proximity to assist a homeless individual:
broward4homeless.org
• Donate bagged lunches to Community Court: Email neighborsupport@
fortlauderdale.gov for details
• Register as a landlord and receive a monetary incentive with Project Home Again:
www.broward.org/ProjectHomeAgain
• Partner with a local nonprofit for feeding and donations

Thank you District 1 for all your support on this issue.
Have a wonderful and healthy summer!
John Herbst
District 1 Commissioner, City of Fort Lauderdale

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