Homelessness should make us all uncomfortable: Now what do we do about it?

New data from the Point in Time Count, a yearly survey tracking homelessness compiled by the Brevard Homeless Coalition, reveals an uncomfortable truth: Brevard’s unsheltered population — people living outdoors in places not fit for human habitation — increased by 37% in the last year.

The unsheltered count rose from 416 to 571 households, distributed across the county in a pattern that mirrors our general population, from north to south.

What's behind this increase? It's a complex mix of factors, including the rising cost of living, the breakdown of the family, escalating rates of psychological distress, and substance use problems in our community. However, one critical issue stands out — the severe lack of services for our unsheltered population.

Brevard County currently lacks dedicated shelters and has very few housing options that effectively reduce the number of people living outdoors. While there are programs that provide support to households experiencing a homelessness crisis, they do not address the essential components of shelter, housing, healthcare, and other comprehensive services needed by our fellow residents who have been enduring life on the streets for months, and in many cases, years. These individuals require a deeper level of support.

This reality becomes clear when we analyze the data. A staggering 70% of unsheltered households, 7 out of 10, have been homeless for a year or longer. Shockingly, only 20% have received any form of shelter services, and even then, it was primarily through a special COVID relief program that has since concluded.

In essence, the longer a person has remained homeless in Brevard County, the less likely they are to be receiving services. This is backwards if our goal is to reduce homelessness.

More: 'I am homeless, too': Why 'Point-in-Time' count of Brevard's homeless matters

Why does this matter? The costs of doing nothing are exceedingly high.

Firstly, the mortality rate of our unsheltered population is three times higher than the general population. This has far-reaching effects on our community. I am reminded of my friend Rusty, someone who touched the lives of many and whose absence is deeply felt.

Moreover, overall quality of life in our community is negatively impacted. As Brevard continues to develop, there are fewer places for unsheltered residents to stay hidden. Higher concentrations of homeless individuals in urban centers like Downtown Melbourne, Cocoa Village, and throughout our cities, have led to increased demands on emergency services, social disturbances, concerns about property values, hygiene issues, and petty crime.

Simply relying on law enforcement to address these quality of life issues is not effective, nor is it a good use of law enforcement resources. Shifting individuals from one neighborhood to another or making petty arrests only perpetuates the problem.

We must recognize that 70% of the unsheltered population in Brevard has resided here for longer than five years, many since birth. This is their home, despite their homeless status. Relocation is generally not a viable option for these individuals due to their limited resources and ties to Brevard. Data on Travelers Aid services further confirms this, with half of those assisted in leaving the area eventually returning to Brevard.

The reality is that without intervention, many unsheltered individuals will endure life on our streets until their passing. Tragically, this included my friend Nick, who was only 28 years old when he passed away from health complications in a tent in the woods behind a local medical facility earlier this year.

As more people fall into homelessness without assistance, the total number of those living unsheltered will continue to rise, further exacerbating quality of life issues. The cost is not only borne by those living in these challenging circumstances, but by the entire community.

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So, what is the solution? It is vital that we recognize the urgency of this issue. Mere temporary measures or pushing individuals from one neighborhood to another will not solve the problem. We need enduring solutions, sustainable support, and a genuine commitment to facilitating lasting change.

To start, we must invest in dedicated shelters and increase the availability of permanent housing options specifically designed to reduce unsheltered homelessness. This requires a coordinated effort involving local government, nonprofit organizations, and community stakeholders. We need to prioritize the development of comprehensive programs that address not only immediate shelter needs but also provide essential services such as healthcare, mental health support, employment assistance, and long-term housing stability.

Furthermore, we must challenge the stigma associated with homelessness and dispel misconceptions that providing housing-based solutions will attract more homeless individuals to our area. The truth is our unsheltered population is already rooted here, with ties to the community. By providing the necessary support and resources, we empower them to regain stability and actively contribute to the betterment of our society. By doing nothing, we watch them decline and ultimately die on the streets.

Addressing the cost of doing nothing is crucial. The expenses incurred due to increased emergency service demands, social disturbances, and property value concerns far outweigh the investment required to implement comprehensive solutions. Moreover, the moral imperative to alleviate human suffering and uphold the dignity of our fellow residents should guide our actions.

It is time for our community to come together, overcome concerns, and embrace change. We must collaborate to develop timely solutions that combine resources, expertise, and strategies to effectively address homelessness on the Space Coast. This means engaging local businesses, faith-based organizations, and community leaders in the conversation and fostering partnerships that drive meaningful progress.

This is our community, these are our neighbors, and this is our challenge to face.

Keith Donald is the founder of Steadytown Inc., a private family foundation focused on improving quality of life in the greater Melbourne area. This column is dedicated in memory of our friends Rusty and Nick.

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: These are our neighbors: We must solve Brevard's homelessness crisis