1. Count the beds in the homeless shelters and determine if that is sufficient to satisfy Lakeland's societal "obligation".

2. City ordinance of no sleeping outside (benches, streets, etc).

3. Calculate the # of people in domestic situations who are current residents of Lakeland, and knowing that turnover rate, make certain a set # of beds are available at all times.

4. Include seasonal variation in homeless (summer/winter).

5. Calculating the medical costs of homeless is a good idea.  

But a maximum population allows the City of Lakeland to set a solid budget.  Perhaps Lighthouse Ministries and Talbot House might get involved in this discussion.