Miami Beach to help homeless, enforce laws against sleeping in public

MIAMI – Relief may be on the way for people in Miami Beach who are going through homelessness.

On Monday, local leaders on the beach announced the initiative Operation Summer Relief.

“The monthlong initiative is aimed at encouraging the city’s homeless population to take advantage of available programs and initiatives, including access to shelters, regular meals and treatment options for mental illness or drug and alcohol addiction,” officials said.  

“During the month of August, Miami Beach will see an extra boost in efforts and resources dedicated to addressing homelessness with a goal of not having any homeless person living on our streets,” Mayor Meiner said.

“My initiative aims to help the homeless and provide a lifeline, but we will also vigorously enforce our laws against sleeping on public property.” 

Starting Thursday, healthcare teams, non-profits, city staff and volunteers plan to hand out water while urging people to accept help and room at shelters.

Miami Beach banned public sleeping in October, leading to immediate arrests if shelter is refused, punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine. Recent enforcement has seen a rise in arrests.