Building A Path To Stability: Broward County Transit Offers Innovative Solution To Homelessness

Collaboration is Key:
"At BCT, we are committed to both supporting our riders and fostering a safe and secure environment," says Coree Cuff Lonergan, CEO/General Manager, Broward County Transportation. "Project Homeless Connect exemplifies this commitment through collaboration with Broward County Agencies, Law Enforcement, and community organizations."

Addressing Root Causes:
In November of 2023, BCT partnered with the Broward County Human Services Division of Housing Options, Solutions, and Support (HOSS-D) team and community partners to begin to address the issues of unsheltered people at bus terminals, bus stops, and on certain routes. A dedicated team of street outreach workers that includes a licensed clinical practitioner began engaging, assessing, and providing shelter and housing referrals to the people served in this pilot. Since its inception, over 324 shelterless individuals have been identified that frequent the public transportation system and through this collaborative effort, essential services including: shelter placements, case management, mental health resources, and legal assistance have been provided.

Positive Outcomes:
Project Homeless Connect at the Downtown Fort Lauderdale Terminal has been a success, since launching on February 20th, 2024, and has yielded positive results:

• 19 individuals sheltered.
• 20 individuals connected with addiction recovery services at the Broward Addiction Recovery Center (BARC).
• One person received medical care.
• Another individual was reunited with their family.

Beyond these direct interventions, the project also improved the environment at the transit center as the individual’s belongings were humanely cared for and stored; and the entire terminal was freshened-up through deep cleaning, new lighting, and other customer amenities.

From Despair to Determined: A Life Transformed At the February 24th Outreach Event, one woman self-identified as being at her lowest point. Struggling with a cycle of addiction and waiting for her next fix, she shared that she had not intended to get help that day, but as she watched what was unfolding around her, she decided to jump in. Now 49 days clean, she is thriving in a residential treatment center.

“We view this initial effort as a huge success,” says Cuff Lonergan, “we will continue to monitor activities at our Broward Central Terminal location and provide similar services as necessary with our shelterless support partners.”

Over the next few months, Broward County Transit, along with their homeless outreach partners, will expand its outreach efforts to additional locations including the Northeast Transit Center in Pompano Beach, Florida, the Lauderhill Transit Center, in Lauderhill Florida, and the West Terminal in Plantation, Florida.