Members of H.O.M.E. have worked hard to change public perception of the homeless. Our members logged over five thousand hours of community service in our first year. Volunteering their time helping others. We have secured a monthly appearance on the Big John Radio Show. H.O.M.E. Has been responsible for a great deal of local press coverage focusing on homelessness. Articles featuring the H.O.M.E. organization have appeared in the News Journal, Hometown news and the Daytona Times. H.O.M.E. of Daytona Beach has brought National attention to the issues. Our Organization has been featured in the Huffington Post and appeared on CBS Evening News.
Accomplishments:
Our organization has had many significant accomplishments that have changed the quality of life of many people living in Volusia County.
In 2011, we challenged the Volusia County public library system's policy of not allowing homeless individuals to check out library materials. We were successful in this challenge, and as a result homeless individuals are now allowed to borrow library materials.
In 2012, we challenged Daytona Beach's sleeping ordinance that was used to incarcerate homeless individuals for sleeping in public. We were also successful in challenging this ordinance, and the ordinance was overturned. (We are including a copy of The City of Daytona Beach v William Bradford Carter.)
In 2014, we were successful in getting a no trespassing sign removed from a wall that was directly behind a bus stop. Many people who ate at the local homeless feeding facility were getting ticketed or arrested for standing under a tree that provided shade while they waited for the bus.
This year, as the result of community advocacy, particularly including ours, the City of Daytona Beach has agreed to dedicate 200,000 dollars for a Homeless Assistance Center that would include 250 beds and a medical clinic.
Our organization was responsible for the first World Homeless Day event held in Volusia County on October 10, 2010, and for 2013 and 2014’s World Homeless Day events we asked for and received a proclamation from the Volusia County Council declaring October 10th as World Homeless Day in Volusia County.
HOME of Daytona Beach was featured on CBS evening news in a piece called, "The new face of homelessness."
In 2014, HOME was instrumental in publicly uncovering that the lead social service agency responsible for receiving federal, state, and county funding for our area was not in compliance with federal, state or county laws. Our objections resulted in months’ worth of news investigations and ultimately the engagement of the entire community in addressing homelessness in our county through an elected, diverse, board that is representative of the community and that is following governance policies created and approved by all.
Accomplishments:
Our organization has had many significant accomplishments that have changed the quality of life of many people living in Volusia County.
In 2011, we challenged the Volusia County public library system's policy of not allowing homeless individuals to check out library materials. We were successful in this challenge, and as a result homeless individuals are now allowed to borrow library materials.
In 2012, we challenged Daytona Beach's sleeping ordinance that was used to incarcerate homeless individuals for sleeping in public. We were also successful in challenging this ordinance, and the ordinance was overturned. (We are including a copy of The City of Daytona Beach v William Bradford Carter.)
In 2014, we were successful in getting a no trespassing sign removed from a wall that was directly behind a bus stop. Many people who ate at the local homeless feeding facility were getting ticketed or arrested for standing under a tree that provided shade while they waited for the bus.
This year, as the result of community advocacy, particularly including ours, the City of Daytona Beach has agreed to dedicate 200,000 dollars for a Homeless Assistance Center that would include 250 beds and a medical clinic.
Our organization was responsible for the first World Homeless Day event held in Volusia County on October 10, 2010, and for 2013 and 2014’s World Homeless Day events we asked for and received a proclamation from the Volusia County Council declaring October 10th as World Homeless Day in Volusia County.
HOME of Daytona Beach was featured on CBS evening news in a piece called, "The new face of homelessness."
In 2014, HOME was instrumental in publicly uncovering that the lead social service agency responsible for receiving federal, state, and county funding for our area was not in compliance with federal, state or county laws. Our objections resulted in months’ worth of news investigations and ultimately the engagement of the entire community in addressing homelessness in our county through an elected, diverse, board that is representative of the community and that is following governance policies created and approved by all.