WEST PALM BEACH, FLA. (April 17, 2020) – At a press conference, West Palm Beach Mayor Keith A. James delivered key announcements about the City’s response to and recovery from COVID-19. Mayor also shared updates about the progress made through the City’s COVID-19 Response Unit. The group is a first-of-its-kind effort to align City services with non-profits and the private sector in a partnership to help serve community needs and focus on long-term recovery efforts. 

 Mayor thanked West Palm Beach residents for practicing social distancing, following ‘stay at home’ orders, and taking precautions such as washing hands and wearing face masks. Mayor stated that these actions have led to COVID-19 peaking and the number of new cases flattening out. He encouraged everyone to keep it up.

 Mayor stated that several things must occur before our city can reopen again. According to Mayor, a reopening of the City could occur when COVID-19 is no longer spreading widely, when we have an even stronger health care system, when reliable tests are readily available, and when we have a robust public health capacity.

 “Any reopening would occur slowly and would be a coordinated effort with our partners at Palm Beach County,” said Mayor James. “Any re-opening must comply with State and County guidelines. We are currently in the very preliminary states of conversations about what that future reopening would look like.”

 Mayor announced the following updates:

• On Wednesday, the City of West Palm Beach partnered with Quantum Foundation, Foundcare, Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church, and the West Palm Beach Housing Authority to offer mobile COVID-19 testing in Coleman Park. Mayor is working to bring more mobile testing to our city to serve various populations that cannot get to a testing site.
• The City has approved 15 Recovery and Assistance Program applications totaling $139,000 in grant funding. The program makes available short-term loans in amounts between $5000-$10,000.
• The City has received almost 50 applications to its Rental Eviction Protection Program, which provides temporary rental assistance (up to two months of rent) due to a loss of income as a direct result of COVID-19 mitigation.
• This week, the City offered assistance to 25-people completing their unemployment applications.
• Mayor signed an Executive Order requiring anyone coordinating a food distribution event in West Palm Beach to register with the City. Mayor is looking to offer food programs in West Palm Beach but wants residents to have confidence that the events are conducted safely.
• The Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach has seen a 40% increase in library card signups and a 50% increase in usage of the library’s digital resources, since COVID-19 mitigation began. Anyone can get a library card!
• Mayor applauded acts of kindness and generosity by residents and recognized Meg Fielder, co-founder of Cotton Bottom Diaper Bank and Mike Greco, owner of Safebound Moving and Storage who donated the first 10,000 diapers to families in need. Additionally, community members donated enough food to serve 500 individuals. These diapers and meals were distributed through the COVID-19 Response Unit.

Information about these programs and initiatives can be found at wpb.org/covid-19.

The COVID-19 Response Unit helps organize resources in the areas of Housing & Homelessness; Economic Support & Recovery; Seniors, Children & Families; Food, Water & Medicine; Community Services & Volunteer Engagement; Non-Profits & Faith-based Outreach; and Health & Public Safety. The unit helps City Directors continue to do the work needed to run the City and continue to provide essential services. Each of the groups is being led by a City Commissioner or former Mayor Jeri Muoio.

At the press conference, Commissioner Cory Neering provided an update from the Housing and Homeless Group. The group works to support the City’s programs on rental eviction protection and reemployment. The group launched a program, Closet Deposit Challenge, a public-private partnership with local agencies. Vita Nova, a non-profit that works with young adults to help them transition to independent living, is partnering with Dare 2 Care to provide showers for our homeless population. Residents are asked to please donate new socks, underwear for men and women, and hygiene products like soap, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and shampoo. A care package of these essential products can be dropped off at Vita Nova, located at 2724 N. Australian Avenue, between noon and 5 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday. 

Commissioner Joe Peduzzi provided an update from the Seniors, Families and Children Group. The group is talking to senior communities, civic groups, experts in education, and cultural organizations to identify needs. Commissioner announced the Senior Connect initiative. The Area Agency on Aging and 2-1-1 of the Palm Beaches and Treasure Coast have partnered together to expand their aging and disability resource center. If you are a senior or know someone in need of a daily well-being telephone check-in or reassurance program, they can sign up with these groups. Professionally trained counselors are available in English, Spanish and Creole to provide resources to our senior community. You can dial 2-1-1 or contact the Area Agency on Aging at 866-684-5885 or visit their website at YourADRC.org for more information.

Commissioner Christina Lambert provided an update on the Community Engagement and Volunteer Services Group. The group is working to make sure City, non-profit and private sector services and resources get to residents as quickly as possible. The group is working on organization, communications, and engagement. Commissioner announced the launch of the West Palm Beach COVID-19 Toolbox, a centralized resource that includes health and safety resources, information on testing and where to get medical attention, food distribution information, and much more. The COVID-19 Toolbox is viewable at wpb.org/covid19 and will be sent via email if you are signed up for the City’s newsletter.

Mayor thanked and acknowledged our first responders including the West Palm Beach Fire Department, the West Palm Beach Police Department, all hospital workers, and everyone on the front line. He also thanked City staff for the great work that they are doing to continue to serve the residents.