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Brevard County recognizes National Homeless Persons Memorial Day; coalition urges more shelter and services
Summary
The board declared Dec. 21 National Homeless Persons Memorial Day; Brevard Homeless Coalition leaders described a rising unhoused count (1,116 in 2024) and urged more permanent housing and low‑barrier shelters ahead of state law changes taking effect Jan. 1.
The Brevard County Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution recognizing Dec. 21, the winter solstice, as National Homeless Persons Memorial Day.
Amber Carroll, executive director of the Brevard Homeless Coalition, told commissioners the county’s 2024 point‑in‑time count recorded 1,116 people experiencing homelessness and 779 unsheltered residents — a 17% increase in the unsheltered population over the prior year. Carroll said the coalition has documented 65 names of residents who died while unsheltered or in conditions linked to homelessness.
Carroll urged the board to support more permanent housing with supportive services and immediate development of low‑barrier, emergency drop‑in shelters, especially given the enforcement of House Bill 1365 beginning Jan. 1, 2025. She invited commissioners to countywide memorial events and to participate in the January 23, 2025 point‑in‑time count.
“It's our hope to bring awareness for the need for more permanent housing with supportive services,” Amber Carroll said during the presentation, and she called for county and community coordination to reduce homelessness.
The resolution passage was followed by representatives from the town of Arcadia and other community members who spoke in support. The board signaled support for coordination with the Continuum of Care and local service providers; no additional funding action was taken at the meeting.
