In anticipation of the upcoming forecasted cold snap, the Broward Sheriff’s Office Homeless Outreach Team, in alliance with Broward County’s Homeless Initiative Partnership (HIP) and the Multi-Agency Homeless Taskforce (MAHT), have joined forces to provide warmth to those individuals experiencing homelessness.
Beginning Thursday, Dec. 22, thru Sunday, Dec. 25, BSO deputies and members of our local law enforcement agencies will hand out blankets and cold weather gear to individuals experiencing homelessness across Broward County.
“The most humanitarian thing we can do in times of crisis like a cold weather snap is to remember the importance of our neighbors,” BSO Homeless Outreach Lt. Edward Rafailovitc said. “We must think of them and remind ourselves that while we may go home to a warm place, many people don’t have that option. That’s why it is important to ensure that people experiencing homelessness are as warm and comfortable as they can be during this weather event.”
Lt. Rafailovitc added that the distribution is also important because it allows deputies and officers to help connect individuals experiencing homelessness to cold weather shelters and helpful social services throughout the County.
Over 900 new blankets have been secured for law enforcement distribution. HIP has donated approximately 510 blankets to multiple law enforcement agencies throughout the County to-date, while MAHT—an organization made up of Broward County law enforcement agencies working together to help people experiencing homelessness—has contributed 440 blankets.
If you are experiencing homelessness or know someone who is, please call the Homeless Helpline at 954-563-4357.
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