Community Connection

Leading WithCompassion:

An Interview With Hon. Kathy Smith

Hon. Kathy Smith

by iman zekri, esq.

When you think of preeminent community leaders, Honorable Kathy Smith is one local trailblazer who immediately comes to mind. Having served as a Public Defender for 31 years, Smith has represented countless defendants who were charged with crimes such as panhandling, trespassing in a park after hours, and open container. “Such laws unfairly target the homeless population and tend to further hinder their ability to obtain gainful employment or otherwise qualify for benefits that could help lift them out of homelessness,” Smith explains. This is what inspired Smith to join the Board of Directors of the Lee County Homeless Coalition.

The Coalition’s mission is to advocate, educate, and promote awareness of obstacles facing homeless individuals in Lee County through community collaboration, planning, and implementing solutions. Smith shares, “The Homeless Coalition is a unique organization because we are focused on collaboration. We convene nonprofit agencies, governmental agencies, faith communities, and advocates that provide direct services which helps us identify the gaps and needs in our homeless system of care. We also have the unique opportunity to share each other’s success. We believe we work better together.” Annually, the Coalition organizes a homeless census and provides the data to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development which then uses the information to ensure local service providers target services to meet the specific needs of the homeless in our communities. This year, the count took place from January 26 to January 29, and more than 84 volunteers performed 342 surveys of individuals living on the streets, in the woods, and in cars. Smith proudly shares that the Coalition is making strides in raising awareness and extending assistance to individuals experiencing homelessness in Lee County. In particular, the Coalition hosts an annual Homeless Service Day and Veterans Stand Down. This year, the event was held on January 29 in downtown Fort Myers, and 24 Coalition members provided services to approximately 150 individuals. “Services provided included haircuts, health care, immunization, clothing, blankets, food, and employment opportunities,” Smith says. New this year, in partnership with the Clerk of Courts and the Lee County Tax Collector, the Coalition held a traffic court where the Honorable Josephine Gagliardi presided. The focus was to bring court services to those experiencing homelessness and those who are veterans. Fifty-three attendees had the opportunity to have their driver’s license reinstated which helps secure sustainable employment and achieve self-sufficiency. The biggest events planned for 2022 include the 17th Annual Benefit Dinner and Auction scheduled for October 7, 2022. The Homeless Challenge, which involves walking a mile (15 miles) in the shoes of a person experiencing homelessness in Lee County, will be held on November 19, 2022, and the Candlelight Vigil which honors the lives of those who passed away in Lee County while homeless will be held on December 21, 2022. Those wanting to contribute to the Coalition’s work can make monetary donations at www.leehomeless.org. The Coalition also accepts in-kind donations to create homeless outreach blessing bags. Smith explains the Coalition updates the requests for in-kind donations based on the identified needs of the community through Coalition members. Currently, the organization needs used cell phones as connectivity with a homeless outreach worker is pivotal to providing access to care and housing for a person experiencing homelessness. Phones also allow family and friends to be in contact with their loved ones. The Coalition also seeks volunteers throughout the year for its homeless census count, service day, Candlelight Vigil, and Benefit Dinner and Auction planning committee. “Together, we can create a world where homelessness is rare, brief, and one time,” Smith says.

Iman Zekri, Esq. is a family law attorney at Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A. Iman is a native of Southwest Florida and received her B.A., from Florida Gulf Coast University and her J.D. from the University of Florida Levin College of Law. Iman also serves on The Florida Bar’s Student Education & Admissions to the Bar Committee.