Daniel McDonald

Homelessness is one of the most complex challenges facing communities today, and traditional law enforcement approaches often fall short of meaningful solutions. In this transformative talk, Daniel McDonald shares his groundbreaking 30-Day Challenge to End Homelessness, a proven framework for law enforcement and public organizations to address homelessness with compassion, creativity, and collaboration. Drawing from real-world success stories, Daniel demonstrates how small, consistent actions can lead to big changes, benefiting individuals, communities, and public systems.

By reducing the reliance on emergency responses, lowering arrest rates, and improving access to resources, his approach not only transforms lives but also saves communities money and alleviates the strain on public services such as jails, hospitals, and shelters. His talk is a call to rethink the role of law enforcement, shift from crisis response to problem-solving, and replace handcuffs with hope.

Key Takeaways:

1) Compassion as a Strategy: Learn how replacing punitive measures with compassionate problem-solving leads to lasting solutions for homelessness.

2) The Power of Partnerships: Understand the importance of collaborating with community organizations, media, and social services to tackle homelessness effectively.

3) Small Actions, Big Impact: Discover how incremental changes—like helping individuals obtain IDs—can lead to transformative outcomes.

4) Cost Savings and Efficiency: Explore how addressing homelessness proactively can reduce taxpayer expenses, emergency room visits, and law enforcement resource drain.

5) The 30-Day Challenge Framework: Gain actionable steps to implement the challenge in your community, fostering empathy, engagement, and positive change.

Daniel McDonald, MPA, is a 29-year veteran of law enforcement who has revolutionized approaches to addressing homelessness through innovative, compassionate strategies. As the founder of the Tampa Police Department Homeless Initiative, he has helped hundreds of individuals transition from the streets to stable housing, contributing to a 48% reduction in street homelessness in just three years. His unorthodox problem-solving methods—ranging from reconnecting clients with lost assets to orchestrating a $20,000 wedding for a homeless couple—demonstrate the power of creativity and collaboration in tackling systemic issues.
He also founded the TPD Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) in 2015 to better resolve calls for service involving those in mental health crisis.

Daniel’s groundbreaking work has received global recognition, with features on The Today Show, Inside Edition, People Magazine (featured twice) and BBC Radio, as well as accolades such as the Tampa Police Department Officer of the Month and the Housing & Education Alliance Community Hero Award. A sought-after speaker, he has delivered keynotes for major organizations, including the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) and the National Sheriffs’ Association.

Now retired from public service, Daniel consults with communities and law enforcement agencies to develop effective, humane responses to homelessness. His inspiring story and proven framework challenge traditional approaches, offering hope and solutions to one of society's most persistent challenges.

THANKS for your interest in hiring Daniel for your event. Below are her setting and A/V requirements. Please send Daniel a message with any questions or concerns.

1) Settings: Please schedule Daniel’s presentation in a well-lit, climate-controlled room free from public address announcements, music, heavy foot traffic and other noises and distractions.

2) Audio Visual:
a. Projector and screen for slides
b. Stage lighting and/or spotlight to make certain Daniel is visible on stage
c. Sound system to amplify Daniel’s voice and through which to play sound (when necessary) from the computer adequate for the entire audience to hear
d. Remote control to advance slides
e. Headset microphone preferred. Lavalier microphone second preference. Handheld microphones are acceptable if the other two are not available.