VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — The Salvation Army will give dozens of homeless people in Daytona Beach access to its shelter this weekend as temperatures plunge.
The emergency beds are only for cold weather, but the city is working to make them available for the next 90 days to bring some relief on Beach Street. Nearly 100 homeless people have been camping on Beach Street outside the administration building.
Eyewitness News has reported several times recently on the outrage from area businesses over the situation.
“Anytime it drops below 40 degrees, we open up the cold weather shelter. The Salvation Army and we never turn anyone away,” said Liam Sweeney of Salvation Army Veteran Outreach.
Sweeny has identified veterans and others with needs. So far, he has been able to get shelter and assistance for a dozen homeless people.
"Trying to link them with some type of social service, whether it be Stewart Marchman or some type of permanent supportive housing,” said Sweeney.
City leaders are working with Sweeney to open 46 beds for the homeless every night, and not just when it’s cold.
The city closed Manatee Island Park Friday after Volusia County leaders ordered it to be reopened Thursday.
The Volusia County property appraiser said on Friday one of his employees was accosted at his office on Beach Street, so he’s moving his employees until something is done there.
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