Hundreds of Lives Changed through 488 HART Engagements in 6 Months
HART, the Homeless Advocacy and Response Team, Assists Individuals Experiencing Homelessness

WEST PALM BEACH, FLA (July 15, 2022) -- Through its Housing and Community Development Department’s (HCD) Homelessness Advocacy and Response Team (HART) with the Vickers House, 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. City staff, in conjunction with Palm Beach County’s Homeless Outreach Team and multiple social service providers, work daily to provide ongoing on-street engagement and interventions to those experiencing homelessness. 

Over the last six months (January 1 – June 30, 2022), HART conducted 488 engagements with individuals in City parks, neighborhoods and targeted areas which resulted in the following life impacts;

• 89 individuals experiencing chronic homelessness were connected to housing or shelter.
• 43 individuals experiencing chronic homelessness were reconnected to a loved one or family member.
• 126 individuals received referrals and access to mental health and substance abuse resources.
• 16 local businesses and community groups were provided education and resources.

In addition, 79 requests for assistance were submitted and addressed through the City’s online Homeless Activity Reporter (HAR). The 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.

“The City of West Palm Beach, through its Homeless Advocacy and Response Team, is changing lives for the better through the provision of assistance to individuals experiencing homelessness in our city,” said Mayor Keith A. James. “We remain focused on doing our part to connect individuals to housing and much needed social services, in line with my vision of West Palm Beach becoming a ‘Community of Opportunity for All.’”

The City also continues adding workforce/affordable housing units to its housing stock. Through Mayor James’ ‘600 in 3’ initiative, the City, with the private sector, has added more than 500 units since January 2020. 

“While we are still experiencing many challenges in our city due to the increased demand for mental health and substance abuse services and the soaring rise of housing costs, we have made significant strides and will continue to work with our partners to address this on-going challenge,” said Jennifer Ferriol,  Director of Housing and Community Development.   

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).