West Palm Beach Providing Support To Homeless, Low-Income Households

From City of West Palm Beach:

January 12, 2021

The City of West Palm Beach continues to enhance the quality of life in our city through the development of housing, social and economic opportunities. Through its Housing and Community Development Department (HCD), the city works to compassionately address the issue of homelessness and create opportunities that support and empower low-income households and neighborhoods.

The City takes great steps to prevent homelessness in our community and to assist the homeless population. In 2020:

• 363 homeless individuals were serviced by the Street Engagement Team, comprised of City staff and/or a partnership with the Lord’s Place.
• 133 homeless individuals were provided access to mental health services, in partnership with Mental Health America.
• 68 homeless individuals were reconnected to a loved one through the City’s Homeward Bound program.
• 61 homeless individuals were placed into emergency shelter or housing,
• 10 homeless individuals were provided job readiness skills training and were able to gain employment.
• 188 responses were provided to residents and business owners who utilized the Homeless Activity Reporter to report when help or assistance to homeless individuals is needed.

In response to the COVID-19 public health crisis, and in close partnership and collaboration with Palm Beach County, City residents received the following assistance in 2020 (numbers approximate):

• 2,312 households - food voucher assistance
• 1,468 households - utility payment assistance
• 1,337 households - rental payment assistance
• 300 households - mortgage payment assistance
• 150 residents - food stamps application assistance
• 125 residents - unemployment application assistance

Additionally, in keeping with Mayor James’ ‘300 in 3’ initiative to break ground on or complete development of 300 workforce housing units in our city in less than three years, 223 units of workforce/affordable housing were added to the city’s housing stock in 2020.

“Assisting our residents, including our homeless population, with compassion and efficiency, remains a top priority during the public health crisis,” said West Palm Beach Mayor Keith A. James. “We continue to work to create opportunities that will support and empower low-income households and neighborhoods through the production of workforce housing, economic development, and the provision of services to residents.”

The City operates the Vickers House, a one-stop assistance and resource center, that offers the community a place to receive information, referrals and counseling. Vickers House, located at 811 Palm Beach Lakes Boulevard, is open 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday. To contact the Vickers House, please dial (561) 804-4970 (TTY: 800-955-8771).

To learn more about the City’s HCD and programs and assistance offered by the City of West Palm Beach, visit wpb.org/hcd or click here! To call the City of West Palm Beach HCD, please dial (561) 822-1250 (TTY: 800-955-8771).

This press release was produced by the City of West Palm Beach. The views expressed are the author's own.