Community advocates and residents used the Jan. 27 public-comment period to press the City Commission for an update on plans for a city drop-in day center off Old Moultrie Road and on whether the city will pursue a mobile “dignity bus” to serve people experiencing homelessness.

Vicki Pepper, who identified herself as a resident of Harbor Vista Circle and a member of CARE (Community Advocates for Racial Equity), outlined a list of questions about the project’s timeline and services. “What is the current timetable for moving Dining with Dignity?” she asked. Pepper also sought details on safe access to the site, the availability of a mail room, showers and laundry in the city’s stated Phase 1, and the status of Phase 2 fundraising and design.

Pepper referenced a recent site visit by Commissioner Cynthia Garris to Vero Beach’s dignity bus and asked whether the city was exploring acquiring a dignity bus that could include kennel pods for people’s pets. “We understand not wanting to abandon their furry companions is a disincentive for some individuals to seek shelter or other services for themselves,” she said.

City staff did not provide a timeline or detailed answers during the public-comment portion. After public comment, Commissioner John De Prater asked staff for an update on the drop-in day center at a future meeting; staff confirmed they will return with a briefing. Assistant City Manager Reuben Franklin and other staff had noted earlier in the evening that phase 1 work was underway and that Dining with Dignity could move to the site “as early as next month,” but Pepper’s questions requested more precise dates and funding status for phase 2.

What’s next: Commissioners requested that staff present a status update to the commission at a future meeting that addresses Pepper’s questions (move-in timetable, safe access, mail room/showers/laundry availability, fundraising status for Phase 2, and exploration of a dignity bus).