Florida Eyes Empty Buildings for Homeless Family Housing

The housing idea

Empty schools and unused office buildings are being eyed as possible housing options for families experiencing homelessness in Florida. The approach would look to existing buildings as potential places to provide housing rather than leaving those properties unused.

Buildings under consideration

The concept includes two types of properties: schools that are no longer in use and office buildings that are vacant or underused. Any use of those sites would require decisions about whether a building is suitable for housing and how it could serve families experiencing homelessness.

What comes next

The next steps would involve identifying possible properties and determining whether they can be used for housing. Officials and local communities would also need to address the process for selecting sites and putting any housing plan into operation.

The proposal places the focus on existing buildings and families who need housing. It does not establish that any particular school or office building has been selected for conversion.