Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability
Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability

Economic Impact of Homelessness Is Significant; Improvements Needed at State and Local Levels

Report 05-01, January 2005




Report Summary

  • The economic impact of homelessness in Florida is significant, with the state, local, and federal governments spending at least $168 million annually for programs and services to assist the homeless. This total excludes expenses incurred by local entities such as the police, courts, emergency service providers, hospital emergency rooms, and some private charities in dealing with homeless persons, as these costs are not tracked by homeless coalitions, service providers, or government agencies.
  • Statewide, Florida is doing well in obtaining dedicated federal funding for the homeless. However, some areas of the state have not done well in accessing federal funding.
  • State agencies assist local homeless efforts by providing technical assistance, direct services, and funding. However, some state agency practices and administrative requirements of mainstream programs could be improved.
  • Coordination among local homeless service providers is occurring, but could be improved by increased participation of service providers and full implementation of their computerized information systems.


Related Reports
  1. While Some Steps Have Been Taken, Office on Homelessness Needs to Enhance Efforts to Assist the Homeless Population Within the State
    Report 06-59 August 2006
Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.
Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.
social services, health, community-based care, homeless, continuum of care, affordable housing, employment, low income, mainstream services, TANF, medicaid, emergency shelter, transitional housing, poverty,