Just last month, the Homeless Trust completed its yearly street census and found the number of homeless people on our streets is now fewer than 1,000 -- the lowest number in the history of this County.

This wasn't always the case in Miami-Dade. About 15 years ago, more than 8,000 homeless people roamed the streets of Miami-Dade County. Tourists visiting the downtown area or leaving on cruises from the Port of Miami would see hundreds of homeless people living along streets. It was a sad scene that many visitors didn't care to see again.

So the community decided to do something about it. Many people don't realize but we are the first - the only - community in the U.S. where voters approved a 1 percent food and beverage tax for the specific purpose of providing services to homeless people.

Prior to the establishment of the 1 percent tax, only 700 homeless beds existed, none of which were permanent housing. Today, Over 5,000 emergency, transitional, and permanent supportive housing beds exists with an additional 1,000 new housing units in the pipeline.

In this weak economy, The Trust has increased its homeless prevention assistance. It is receiving increased calls from residents who are facing evictions - from 1,000 callers in 2007 to nearly 4,000. In turn, the Trust is providing about six times the level of funding for rental assistance in order to prevent families from becoming homeless.

We take our commitment to helping homeless very seriously. If you or someone you know is about to become homeless, please call the Homeless Helpline at 1.877.994.HELP.

Sincerely,

Mayor Carlos Alvarez