Panama City -- Dr. Robert Marbut, a well-known homeless expert, has spent Thursday visiting different homeless facilities such as Bethel Village in Springfield, the Panama City Rescue Mission and met with veterans.

Marbut says he is surprised of the significantly higher number of homeless men and women in Panama City compared to other cities of similar size.
He believes a program needs to be created that does not perpetuate the homeless cycle.
However, the added focus city leaders and community organizers are giving the homeless, is a step in the right direction says Marbut.

“The good news for people, the mayor is starting to address it, but when you compare it to like size cities, the problem is significantly worse here than other locations I've seen. It's comparable to a city with a million in a half and that's why I think they are starting to make some changes” said Dr. Robert Marbut, Homeless Consultant.

An open town hall meeting at First Baptist Church took place Thursday afternoon in which nearly two hundred local residents converged to hear Marbut’s message and engage in dialogue with Marbut.

“I have a concern about homelessness & people in need & I want to see what we as a community can do together to do something about this problem” said Martha Spiva, Panama City resident.

“Mainly I just wanted to hear for myself what went on this afternoon & not have to read it in the paper and hear it third hand information” said Kathleen Vance, Panama City resident.

Dr. Marbut concluded Thursday at Carroll and McCauley law office in downtown Panama City where he met homeless men and women and was on hand as volunteers served the homeless a meal for the evening.

Friday Dr. Marbut will spend part of his day meeting with city and county leaders to learn more about Panama City’s homeless problem and to offer some solutions to improve the situation.