Florence Tackles Homelessness with New Ordinance

City's approach aims to connect unhoused residents with support services instead of just removing them from public spaces.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 5:08am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extremely abstracted, out-of-focus photograph of a city street at night, with blurred streetlights and silhouettes of people walking in the distance, conveying a sense of urban atmosphere and the human experience of homelessness.Florence's new approach to homelessness aims to connect unhoused residents with support services, rather than simply removing them from public spaces.Florence Today

The city of Florence, South Carolina has passed a new ordinance targeting urban camping, sparking a debate about the city's approach to homelessness. While some worry about overcrowding in shelters, the ordinance takes an unexpected turn, revealing a more nuanced strategy than initially anticipated. The policy directs unhoused individuals to shelters, offering them education and support services rather than simply removing them from public spaces.

Why it matters

This shift in approach challenges the traditional 'tough-on-crime' stance often associated with homelessness issues. By providing resources and guidance, the city is attempting to help individuals find long-term solutions rather than just offering a temporary fix. This demonstrates a willingness to explore alternative, more compassionate methods to address homelessness.

The details

The ordinance, passed in December, aims to address the 'overuse' of public spaces by those experiencing homelessness. Instead of simply removing individuals from these areas, the new policy directs them to shelters, offering an opportunity for education and support. Capt. Stephen Starling of the Florence Police Department emphasizes the importance of education and the opportunity to connect with those experiencing homelessness, humanizing the issue and encouraging a more compassionate response.

  • The ordinance was passed in December 2025.
  • The ordinance has been in effect since its passage in December 2025.

The players

Capt. Stephen Starling

A member of the Florence Police Department who emphasizes the importance of education and connection in the city's approach to homelessness.

Jon Weiss Jr.

The CEO of Florence's House of Hope, a local shelter, who points out that the ordinance has not significantly reduced the strain on shelters, which remain at capacity.

No One Unsheltered Committee

A local committee that has provided hotel vouchers and other shared funds to support the city's efforts to address homelessness.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must provide education and the opportunity to connect with those experiencing homelessness.”

— Capt. Stephen Starling, Florence Police Department

“The shelters are consistently at capacity, indicating a persistent need for more resources.”

— Jon Weiss Jr., CEO, Florence's House of Hope

What’s next

The city must continue to monitor the long-term effects of the ordinance and be prepared to adjust its strategy based on real-world outcomes. This includes reevaluating the ordinance and exploring additional resources to support those in need.

The takeaway

Florence's new approach to homelessness, which focuses on connecting unhoused individuals with support services rather than simply removing them from public spaces, demonstrates a willingness to explore more compassionate and proactive solutions. However, the city must address the persistent challenges, such as shelter capacity and funding, to ensure the long-term success of this strategy.