House Community Budget Issue Requests - Tracking Id #778 The Jail Alternative Project
Requester:	Howard Tipton, Sr.		Organization:		Wayne Densch Center
Project Title:	The Jail Alternative Project		Date Submitted:		01/21/2000 11:43:56 AM
District Member:	Allen Trovillion		Service Area:		County
Counties Affected:	Orange
Recipient:	Wayne Densch Center		Contact:		Howard Tipton, Sr.
	1331 Lee Road		Contact Phone:		(407) 599-3900 225
	Orlando 32810
Project Description:
The Wayne Densch Center and the Homeless Coalition of Central Florida have developed a jail alternative model for homeless persons in Orange County. Homeless people are often arrested and jailed in Orange County on misdemeanor charges. They occupy expensive space in jail. We have developed a low demand shelter for persons with alcohol, substance abuse, or mental health issues. It is currently being funded by grants from H.U.D. and the City of Orlando. We are requesting an expansion of the program with State and Orange County Funding.
Services Provided/Benefit to State:
*** An assessment center *** A class of homeless persons turning over each 6 weeks. (150-200 annually) *** Transition housing *** Life Skills learning *** Job training and job placement *** Random drug and alcohol testing *** Scattered site supportive housing *** Case Management with after care for one year *** Goal of helping 25-40% of enrolled homeless persons to attain normative lifestyle Many homeless people become state convicts in time. They occupy expensive jail space. Our Jail Alternative Model helps to reduce the prison population at the state and local level and can be utilized statewide. Further, people successfully assisted by this program become productive citizens and contribute their share to the state and local tax revenues.
Measurable Outcome Anticipated:
We estimate that Orange County alone can save 200 prison beds per year. At $62,500/bed, capital costs can be lowered by $12,500,000 plus the cost of financing. We estimate $18,750 annual cost for each prisoner's care, or 200 x $18,750 = $3,750,000 annual total cost. We estimate our cost at approximately $2,000,000 for 200 persons or a savings of $1,750,000 annually to Orange County. State savings have not been calculated but many county prisoners become state prisoners.
Amount requested from the State for this project this year:				$400,000
Total cost of the project:		$2,000,000

Request has been made to fund:			Operations
Is there Local Government or Private match for this request?						Yes
	Cash Amount:	$1,600,000		In-Kind Amount:		$2,000,000
Was this project previously funded by the State?						No
Is future-year funding likely to be requested?						Yes
	Amount:	$400,000
	Purpose for future year funding:				Recurring Operations
	Will this be an annual request?					Yes
Was this project included in an Agency's Budget Request?						No
Was this project included in the Governor's Recommended Budget?						No
Is there a documented need for this project?						Yes
	Documentation:	Comprehensive Plan with Study.
Was this project request heard before a publicly noticed meeting of a body of elected officials (municipal, county, or state)?						Yes
	Hearing Body:	Orange County and the City of Orlando
	Meeting Date:	09/27/1999