Volusia County, FL - After months of debate and deliberation, The Volusia County Council voted 4-2 Thursday to approve funding a new 100-bed, 24-hour, full-service homeless shelter. Representatives Dr. Fred Lowry and Deborah Denys dissented.
The First Step Homeless Shelter is planned to be located off of US 92, west of 95. The County and the City of Daytona Beach will both contribute $400,000 for five consecutive years for operation of the shelter, and the County will chip in an extra $2.5 million for construction costs.
Thursday's meeting brought some emotional discussion on the issue. Joan Campanero is Chair of the religious-based non-profit group F.A.I.T.H (Fighting Against Injustice Towards Harmony), which implemented the initial business plans that would eventually become the First Step Shelter plans. Campanero said, "We are hopeful that today will mark a landmark vote which will finally make this vision a reality for our brothers and sisters who are most in need, those experiencing homelessness."
Council Chair Ed Kelley threw his full support behind the shelter, emphasizing emphatically that it will work. "I hope that we've taken care of all of the homeless, but I think what we can do, we can make a difference to provide the treatment, the help, and support for those who do need it," he remarked.
Councilwoman Deborah Denys raised concerns about the construction of the shelter, questioning what would happen if the City does not vote to annex the land to build it. "Writing the check is the easy part. the implementation is where the struggle is going to be," said Denys. "I think this a good thing, there's no doubt. I am yet to be convinced it's the right thing." She added that she hopes she is proven wrong.
The County passed the motion 6-0 Thursday to adopt an Interlocal Service Boundary Agreement with the City, outlining that the City will provide law enforcement and fire services for the shelter and annex the five acres of land to build it.
The next step in the process is for The City to vote to amend its plans to annex the property at a public hearing on June 21. The City Commission is expected to adopt the agreement for the annex.
For earlier reporting on this story, click here.
Copyright Southern Stone Communications 2017
