Lobbyist Ron Book has been reappointed to lead the Homeless Trust in Miami-Dade for another three years, despite objections and concerns about conflicts of interest. Book has been serving as Chair since 2004, although residency requirements and term limits should have prevented this. County leaders have agreed that a plan for his replacement needs to be developed within the next three years.
Book has been praised for his efforts in reducing homelessness in Miami-Dade, but criticisms have been raised about his ties to private prison operators, such as The GEO Group, and his support for policies that criminalize homelessness. Some community members and advocacy groups have called for his removal, citing a punitive approach to the issue.
Despite the controversy surrounding Book, the Homeless Trust has received a significant donation of $5 million from Jeff Bezos and his fiancée, Lauren Sánchez. The funds will be used to provide crisis housing, rental assistance, and new housing solutions for the homeless population in Miami-Dade.
Plans for Book’s eventual succession have also been discussed, with Vice Chair Tina Vidal-Duart identified as a potential replacement. However, concerns about transparency and humane approaches to addressing homelessness continue to be raised by advocacy groups and community members.
As the Homeless Trust navigates these challenges and opportunities, the focus remains on finding sustainable solutions to the issue of homelessness in Miami-Dade and ensuring a smooth transition of leadership in the future.
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Photo credit floridapolitics.com
