CLEARWATER — Kathy Hamm adjusted her Police Department cap in the rearview mirror and shifted her van into drive, ready for another day filled with challenging inquiries.
“Ms. Kathy, do you know any affordable places to live?”
“How can I get into a shelter?”
“Can you help me find a motel room?”
Her van was stocked with Mountain Dew for energy, wet wipes for cleanliness, and a special box for discarded needles she often encountered. Water bottles were also on hand, along with a cot in the back for occasions when she found parents with babies sleeping outdoors or behind buildings.
At 61, Hamm is not a police officer; she doesn’t have a badge or a gun. Instead, she serves as the first in-house social services specialist for the Clearwater Police Department, spending her days visiting shelters, park corners, church grounds, and motels.
Hired two years ago, she aims to connect law enforcement, nonprofits, and individuals facing homelessness. Having experienced the instability of moving between motels and friends’ homes for long periods, she has committed her life to aiding those in need in Clearwater, an area grappling with an affordability crisis.
Her position has gained significance as confusion grows around new legislation impacting the homeless community. “What about this new law, Ms. Kathy? What’s going to happen on Oct. 1?” has been a frequent question.
The inquiry stems from a law signed by Governor Ron DeSantis that prohibits camping in public spaces and went into effect recently. The law allows citizens, organizations, and the attorney general to take legal action against local governments if they fail to clear out homeless encampments.
However, the major cities in Tampa Bay—Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater—assert that the new law won’t significantly change their practices, as they already have measures in place against public sleeping and camping.
Clearwater Police Major Nate Burnside highlighted Hamm’s proactive outreach efforts, stating, “I don’t think there’s anyone in our city who is homeless and hasn’t heard of her. With this law, there’s really nothing that’s going to change for us.”
Despite this reassurance, there remains uncertainty surrounding the law’s enforcement and effects throughout Tampa Bay. The demand for housing has outpaced availability since the pandemic, leaving resources strained.
“The politicians have not done a good job other than fearmongering,” remarked social worker Scott Labuda, who helps connect homeless individuals in Tampa to housing resources. He emphasized the need for local governments to increase shelter beds and housing supply, as existing options are severely limited.
In Pinellas County, where over 2,100 individuals are homeless on any given night, a controversial initiative led by the Sheriff’s Office was implemented to monitor where individuals sleep in anticipation of the law’s rollout. According to reports, four out of five of the county’s 1,873 shelter beds are currently occupied, with only a 7% increase in available beds in the last five years.
Meanwhile, Hillsborough County has not disclosed details regarding preparations for the law, with spokespersons waiting to provide updates to county commissioners. With significantly fewer shelter beds than Pinellas, nearly 90% of the 850 available beds are occupied.
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor expressed a neutral stance on the law, stating, “This won’t change anything in Tampa, because encampments have never been allowed here.”
Rumors and misinformation about the law spread quickly through the streets. “There was a lot of misinformation being passed around,” Hamm noted, stressing the need for outreach to build trust with those living outdoors.
Hamm maintained her approach by getting close to those she helped and establishing eye contact. Carrying cigarettes, she sometimes used them to trade for panhandling signs, encouraging movement away from busy areas.
She has a personal connection to the struggles faced by the homeless, having experienced housing instability herself. This empathy fuels her hope to assist others in finding stable homes.
On a recent outing, Hamm discovered a tent in a wooded area and noticed signs of previous habitation but no individuals present. Moving on, she encountered David Spagnuolo, who had been living in a wheelchair and often found himself without a safe place to sleep.
Hamm mentioned nearby resources, such as Pinellas Hope, a shelter with various accommodations, but he and his companion expressed disinterest.
The ongoing challenge faced by housing advocates is not merely about finding immediate shelter but also about securing long-term, affordable housing options. Despite the efforts of local charities and newly established housing initiatives, the shortage of stable housing remains a pressing issue.
Hamm, who once struggled to secure a stable living situation herself after a significant rent increase, knows that change is possible. Working with the Police Department allows her to strengthen community ties and provide crucial assistance to those in need.
As she interacted with various individuals during her day, her determination to make a difference resonated. She continues to advocate for those who are often overlooked, leaving them hopeful that help is available.