WEST PALM BEACH, FLA (October 13, 2021) – Through its Housing and Community Development Department (HCD) and Homelessness Advocacy and Response Team (HART), the City of West Palm Beach works to enhance the quality of life for its residents through the development of housing, social and economic opportunities. The staff at the city’s Vickers House, in conjunction with Mental Health America, Gulfstream Goodwill and other homeless and housing providers, works daily to provide ongoing on-street engagement and interventions to those experiencing homelessness

In September 2021, to assist those experiencing homelessness, the city and its partners helped:

• 52 individuals with referrals and access to mental health and substance abuse resources (246 YTD).
• 5 individuals experiencing chronic homelessness find housing through partnerships with the County’s coordinated entry system, Gulfstream Goodwill and Vickers House (75 YTD).
• 1 individual experiencing chronic homelessness through the city’s Homeward Bound Program (36 YTD).

Additionally, the team responded to 16 requests for assistance submitted through the City’s online Homeless Activity Reporter (HAR) (274 YTD). The department also facilitated 5 engagements with local businesses and community groups to provide education and resources (88 YTD), as well as 218 engagements throughout city parks, neighborhoods and targeted areas (1,616 YTD). Throughout the month, the department also received 20 service refusals (225 YTD).

HCD and HART meet weekly with established partners including St. Ann Place, Gulfstream Goodwill, PSC Security, CJE Security, West Palm Beach Parks & Recreation Department, and the West Palm Beach Division of Sanitation.

In addition to providing homelessness resources on a daily basis, HCD staff also facilitate the creation of affordable/workforce housing units within the City of West Palm Beach. As part of Mayor James’ ‘500 in 3’ initiative, designed to break ground on or bring online at least 500 of these units within 3 years, the department has played a critical role in the creation of 538 units in less than three years, surpassing both the original and updated project goals established by Mayor James.

The HAR, a web-based application, is one way the public can report when non-emergency city assistance or community resources are needed for someone experiencing homelessness. To make a report, please visit: wpb.org/har.

If you would like to speak with someone regarding an ongoing homelessness concern, contact the Vickers House at (561) 804-4970 (TTY: 800-955-8771).

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