420.621 Definitions.

As used in ss. 420.621-420.628, the term:

(1) “Continuum of care” means a group organized to carry out the responsibilities imposed under ss. 420.621-420.628 to coordinate, plan, and pursue ending homelessness in a designated catchment area. Such a group shall be composed of representatives from certain organizations, including, but not limited to, nonprofit homeless providers, victim service providers, faith-based organizations, governments, businesses, advocates, public housing agencies, school districts, social service providers, mental health agencies, hospitals, universities, affordable housing developers, law enforcement, organizations that serve homeless and formerly homeless veterans, and organizations that serve homeless and formerly homeless persons, to the extent that these organizations are represented within the designated catchment area and are available to participate.

(2) “Continuum of care lead agency” or “continuum of care collaborative applicant” means the organization designated by a continuum of care under s. 420.6225.

(3) “Council on Homelessness” means the council created in s. 420.622.

(4) “Department” means the Department of Children and Families.

(5) “Homeless” means: (a) An individual or family who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence as defined under “homeless” in 24 C.F.R. s. 578.3; or (b) An individual or family who will imminently lose their primary nighttime residence as defined under “homeless” in 24 C.F.R. s. 578.3.

(6) “Person with lived experience” means any person with current or past experience of homelessness, as defined in 24 C.F.R. s. 578.3, including persons who have accessed or sought homeless services while fleeing domestic violence.

(7) “State Office on Homelessness” means the state office created in s. 420.622.

History: s. 9, ch. 87-106; s. 18, ch. 92-58; s. 20, ch. 93-200; s. 202, ch. 99-8; s. 9, ch. 2001-98; s. 2, ch. 2009-164; s. 238, ch. 2014-19; s. 1, ch. 2020-44; s. 1, ch. 2024-243.