Today, there are almost 3,000 people in Broward County, Florida, who do not have a place to call home.

Sheriff Scott Israel and the Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) are taking steps to address the county-wide concern of people experiencing homelessness through a newly launched Homeless Outreach Initiative. This initiative includes a mission to guide BSO deputies who come in contact with people who do not have a place to live. It provides deputies with homeless awareness training and the knowledge needed to navigate through the complexities of the local social services system. This initiative encourages collaborations and partnerships between law enforcement, social service agencies, and advocates for the homeless that are designed to link those experiencing homelessness with appropriate social services while treating them with dignity and respect.