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RSW Living Magazine

Lee County to Spend Nearly $2 Million to Help Relocate Homeless in Lions Park

May 10, 2021 01:08PM ● By Jessica Wagner

Photo Courtesy of NBC-2's Website

Commissioners in Lee County agreed in March to spend nearly $2 million to help relocate homeless in need.

The decision was made one day after Fort Myers council members agreed to spend $22,000 to temporarily house about 20 homeless people in local hotels for approximately 14 nights. The homeless that are being helped by these decisions were residing in Lions Park and social workers were trying to get as many homeless the help they need as quickly as possible.

In addition, there have been 80 apartments that were made ready to house those who qualify, according to NBC-2 News. This population will get free rent and utilities for one year, after which they will be expected to be on their feet financially and able to move out. 

According to Wink News, “It’s not a vacation. It’s a place to stay with their family and get counseling, a case manager, food, clothing, and transition. The goal: Someday, they might get a car, a couch, and get to be home together inside.”

Commissioner Brian Hamman states, "'We’ve had 69 households that include 147 children raise their hand and say, ‘Hey, I need some help getting back on my feet right now,’” according to Wink News.

This will be an ongoing process, as the city is also prepared to fund more hotels for the homeless in need in the future. However, this is a start that many who use Lions Park on a daily basis for family outings are looking forward to.