Daytona Beach breaks ground on children's homeless shelter, but no solution for adults in sight

The city of Daytona Beach broke ground Tuesday on a new shelter for homeless children.

It marks the first major step forward in a long, ongoing battle between the city and the county as officials try to reduce the number of homeless people.

The issue got so bad that at one point, dozens of homeless people camped outside of a county building,, forcing it to temporarily close.

But finding a larger shelter for adults is still an issue that hasn’t been resolved.

City leaders said they believe Hope Place will help provide shelter and services for homeless students in Volusia County.

But city and county leaders said a solution for the thousands of homeless adults believed to be in the county still may take some time to develop.

Hope Place will be located at a soon-to-be-renovated facility that is run by Halifax Urban Ministries.

It aims to be provide 180 homeless children and their families with shelter or health and financial services,

“Hope Place is going to make a tremendous impact on homelessness in our area,” said Daytona Beach community relations manager Rev. Ronald Durham.

But as far as getting something built to house thousands of homeless adults in the area, Daytona Beach city leaders stress patience.

The city was eyeing a spot on Red John Road and was trying to work out a deal with the county, but it fell through months ago.

On Tuesday, the new county council chair, Ed Kelley, said at this point, he wants to at least get plans drawn for a shelter.

Hope Place is expected to be up and running by August.

Cox Media Group