For EyesOnNews.com, June 3, 2014 - The Salvation Army, which has been serving human needs in Broward County since 1926, today announced a new program designed to offer overnight shelter to chronically homeless individuals who are not eligible for acceptance into traditional shelters.
According to the Salvation Army, approximately 50% of homeless people in Broward County are in the downtown Ft. Lauderdale area and the central corridor leading into downtown. By providing services in this area (Broward Boulevard, near I -95) people will be more likely to take advantage of the shelter. By reducing the number of people sleeping on the streets, minor arrests and public nuisance calls to police may be prevented.
Many homeless men and women are either not allowed to stay in “drug and alcohol-free” shelters or have lost trust in the “system.” The Salvation Army’s Open Door Project is a low demand shelter, which removes the stringent requirements of most homeless facilities. With this more forgiving housing option, individuals who may be suffering from alcohol or drug abuse, even mental illness, are given a safer alternative to sleeping on the streets. 
The Open Door Project, which is located on the Salvation Army campus at 1445 West Broward Boulevard near downtown Fort Lauderdale, will include beds for up to 45 adult men and women and breakfast.
“Open Door is a harm reduction measure,” explained Area Commander Captain Luis Viera.
“We know from experience that no one wants to be homeless. Our hope is that over time and in small increments clients will begin to develop trust in caseworkers and may be willing to take advantage of services offered that will help them attain permanent housing,” Viera added.
“The ultimate goal of this program is to provide safety, build trust and reduce the number of people sleeping on the streets of downtown Ft. Lauderdale,” said Curt Nichols, member of the Advisory Board for the Salvation Army of Broward County.
Although basic, these new accommodations are costing the Salvation Army more than $200,000, funds that will be raised through private donations.
“Most shelters require guests to provide an array of personal data,” explained Captain Viera. “For some homeless people, especially those who have been on the street for a length of time, a lack of trust keeps them from seeking shelter.”
The Open Door Project, according to Captain Viera, will benefit the community at large by giving homeless individuals previously thought to be hopeless a warm place to stay and an opportunity to move forward. Getting people off of the streets at night also helps to reduce medical emergencies and police encounters.
On any given night, according to the Salvation Army, more than 800 people are sleeping on the streets. More than 50 percent of the unsheltered homeless people are located in the neighborhoods bordering and leading into the downtown Fort Lauderdale area.
For more information about the Salvation Army and the Open Door Project, visit www.salvationarmybroward.org
FAQ SHEET
The Salvation Army’s Open Door Overnight Shelter
Q. Where is this new shelter and how many people will it serve?
The Open Door Shelter is located at The Salvation Army’s main administrative and shelter facility at 1445 W. Broward Boulevard in Ft. Lauderdale. It will have 45 beds for men and women. If families with children seek shelter, they will be housed in separate facilities.
Q. How is the Open Door program different from other emergency shelters?
A. The program is aimed at people who have been on the street for a while and who lack trust in “the system.” Homeless people who want to spend the night won’t be required to give any information but a name. Clients will be admitted on a first come, first served basis each evening. Individuals may stay a maximum of 15 nights per month in the shelter, as space permits.
Most shelters don’t allow clients to receive services if they have been using drugs or alcohol. The Open Door program will admit clients who may be intoxicated, as long as they are not disruptive. A security guard will be on duty each night.
Q. How will this program help homeless people?
A. In the short term, the shelter will simply provide a safe place to sleep and a meal.
In the long term, as repeat clients begin to develop trust in The Salvation Army and our staff, they will take part in more in depth services, such as transitional shelter, case management and life skills, and may be eligible for rapid rehousing, which will allow them to move to an apartment. The program can be seen as a first step in helping chronically homeless people move from the streets to permanent housing.
Q. How will the Open Door Program help the community?
A. Approximately 50% of homeless people in Broward County are in the downtown Ft. Lauderdale area and the central corridor leading into downtown. By providing services in this area (Broward Boulevard, near I 95) people will be more likely to take advantage of the shelter. By reducing the number of people sleeping on the streets, minor arrests and public nuisance calls to police may be prevented.
Q. How will the program be funded?
A. The Salvation Army has identified funding sources for the first year, but continues to seek additional sources of income to be able to provide all needed services. The agency will be reaching out to the community for support of the Open Door Project.
The Salvation Army has been active in Broward County since 1926, working to fulfill our mission of “meeting human needs without discrimination.”
Over the past 88 years, the agency’s work has had many expressions in this community, always aimed at helping people who are the poorest and those most in need. We currently provide shelter for 40 families with children and 60 single individuals each night. Currently The Salvation Army, Broward County provides 75,465 meals and 73,000 nights of shelter. The Open Door Project will add an additional 16,425 nights of shelter and meals.
The Salvation Army
1445 W. Broward Boulevard, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33312
www.SalvationArmyBroward.org