Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/336863
acknowledge homelessness is not good for the community, the city or the county. Not one voice has been raised to stop consideration of some kind of facility to fight the blight of visi- ble and invisible vagrancy and homelessness. It will soon be a year since the city and county together hired nationally known consultant Robert Marbut "to develop a strategic action plan to evaluate and improve the efficiency and organization of homeless providers throughout Sarasota County," according to the Aug. 12, 2013 press release that was issued. Phase Three of seven in the contract called for an "analysis of the gap between the inventory of services versus the actual needs, including possible recommendations for new facilities with potential sites considered." Three months later, Marbut produced a writ- ten report. The Nov. 25, 2013, document contained 12 steps. Most are in some degree of implementation. His fourth recommen- dation has caused the greatest turmoil. It is worth reprinting in full: "Establish a 24/7/168/365 Men's and Women's Public Safety Triage and Stabilization Unit which would be a 'come-as-you-are' emergency shelter. The Sarasota Sheriff's Office should be asked to be the lead coordinating agency. This would become the main intake portal for adult homeless men and women. All adult services coun- ty-wide should 'spoke off' this main hub. Once operational, all county-wide City Commissioner Suzanne Atwell has been supportive of a shelter in the city. Sarasota News Leader June 27, 2014 Page 50