Florence Tackles Homelessness with New Ordinance

City's approach aims to connect unhoused residents with resources, not just punish

Apr. 11, 2026 at 12:06am

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A serene, cinematic painting of a solitary park bench in a public square, with warm sunlight casting deep shadows across the scene, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation about the complex issue of homelessness in urban areas.Florence's new ordinance aims to connect unhoused residents with resources, rather than simply removing them from public spaces.Florence Today

The city of Florence, South Carolina has passed a new ordinance targeting urban camping, but with a focus on connecting unhoused individuals with shelter and services rather than immediate arrests. The ordinance is seen as a rare example of law enforcement adopting a more compassionate approach to homelessness, though its success relies heavily on the availability of resources in the city's already strained shelter system.

Why it matters

Florence's experiment highlights the broader challenges cities face in balancing public space usage with providing support for vulnerable populations. The ordinance's approach acknowledges homelessness as a systemic issue, not just a moral failing, but its execution depends on sustained investment and collaboration between law enforcement, shelters, and the community.

The details

Florence's urban camping ordinance encourages police to direct individuals to shelters and provide resources, rather than immediately arresting or banning them. However, the city's shelters are already operating near capacity, raising questions about whether the ordinance can be successful without simultaneous investments in expanding support systems. The ordinance has so far resulted in only one citation, with the individual being warned and then cited after returning to the same spot.

  • The ordinance was passed in December 2025.
  • As of April 2026, the ordinance has been in effect for several months.

The players

Florence Police Department

The Florence Police Department is responsible for implementing the new urban camping ordinance, with a focus on connecting unhoused individuals with shelter and services rather than immediate arrests.

House of Hope

A homeless shelter in Florence that is already operating at 90% capacity year-round, raising concerns about its ability to accommodate additional individuals under the new ordinance.

No One Unsheltered Committee

A community organization that provided $75,000 in shared funds to support shelters in Florence, highlighting the importance of collaboration between government, law enforcement, and nonprofits.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The city will continue to monitor the implementation of the ordinance and the capacity of local shelters to accommodate individuals in need.

The takeaway

Florence's new ordinance represents a shift towards a more compassionate approach to homelessness, but its long-term success will depend on the city's ability to sustain investment in support services and maintain collaboration between law enforcement, shelters, and the community.