Who Makes Decisions Around Homelessness in Broward?
The Federal Government (HUD)
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is the primary federal agency responsible for homelessness policy and funding. HUD sets national priorities, issues grants, and provides funding through programs like Continuum of Care (CoC) and Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG). These dollars are awarded locally and come with guidelines on how they can be used—for housing, shelter, supportive services, and prevention efforts.
The State of Florida
At the state level, Florida helps distribute certain federal funds, provides its own grants, and sets statewide policies. The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) oversees many of the programs that serve individuals and families experiencing homelessness. The state also influences rules around mental health, substance use services, and affordable housing.
Broward County Government
Locally, Broward County plays a major role in planning, coordinating, and funding services. The County Commission adopts ordinances, dedicates local tax dollars, and manages programs that connect housing, health care, and social services. The County also leads partnerships between government, nonprofits, and the business community to ensure resources are used effectively.
The Homeless Continuum of Care (CoC)
Broward’s Continuum of Care (CoC) is a broad network of nonprofits, service providers, government agencies, and community stakeholders. It is tasked with creating a coordinated strategy to prevent and end homelessness. The CoC is also the body responsible for applying for HUD funding each year and deciding how those dollars are allocated among local programs.
Community Partners and Organizations
Beyond government, many organizations play a vital role: nonprofits providing shelter and supportive housing, healthcare providers addressing physical and mental health, faith-based organizations offering assistance, and business and civic leaders who advocate for solutions. Together, they form the safety net and support system that helps people move from homelessness to stability.
How It All Works Together
HUD sets the national direction and provides much of the funding. The State of Florida and Broward County help implement policies and distribute resources. The Continuum of Care creates the local strategy and ensures coordination among service providers. And community organizations bring that strategy to life through direct services and advocacy.
The result is a layered system—federal, state, local, and community—all working together to make sure individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Broward County have a path to housing and stability.
How Is Broward County Reducing Homelessness?
Advocate for Policy Changes
Advocate for Policy Changes
Advocate for Policy Changes
The Live Local Act would provide incentives for private investment in affordable housing, encourage mixed-use development in struggling commercial areas, and more.
Affordable Housing
Advocate for Policy Changes
Advocate for Policy Changes
Broward Partnership's Seven on Seventh project is a mixed-use affordable residential development in Fort Lauderdale for low-income and formerly homeless individuals and families.
Landlord Recruitment
Advocate for Policy Changes
Workforce Development
Broward County's Project HomeAgain encourages local landlords to participate in an affordable housing program that leases to veterans, families, and others working hard to rebuild their lives.
Workforce Development
Coordination of Basic Services
Workforce Development
Broward Partnership's Workforce Development program provides career development support services, vocational training opportunities, job placement assistance, and more.
Coordination of Basic Services
Coordination of Basic Services
Coordination of Basic Services
Broward County operates four Family Success Centers, which are one-stop for case management, emergency assistance, and referrals to other services.
Health on Wheels
Coordination of Basic Services
Coordination of Basic Services
Broward HealthPoint's mobile health unit travels to homeless shelters, feeding cooperatives, and faith-based organizations to improve health outcomes for uninsured adults.
Strategies to House the Homeless
Housing First
Housing First is a homeless assistance approach that prioritizes providing permanent housing to people experiencing homelessness quickly and without preconditions or barriers to entry, such as sobriety, treatment, or service participation requirements. This approach is guided by the belief that people need basic necessities like food and a place to live before attending to anything less critical, such as getting a job, addressing substance use issues, or budgeting properly.
Rapid Re-Housing
Rapid Re-Housing provides short-term rental assistance and services to ensure individuals and families experiencing financial challenges do not become homeless. The goals are to help people obtain housing quickly, increase self-sufficiency, and remain housed. The Core Components of rapid re-housing are housing identification, rent and move-in assistance, and case management and services.