February 27, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Diane G. Papadakos, Director of Communications
City of West Palm Beach – Mayor’s Office
dpapadakos@wpb.org
(561) 822-1411 (TTY: 800-955-8771)

Mayor Keith A. James Leads Roundtable Discussion on Homelessness Solutions

WEST PALM BEACH, FL — On Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2024, Mayor Keith A. James convened a panel of state, county, and municipal leaders at the West Palm Beach Mandel Public Library to address the pressing issue of homelessness in West Palm Beach.

The event brought together key stakeholders to explore comprehensive solutions to homelessness. Mayor James reiterated his commitment to proactive measures aimed at alleviating homelessness and ensuring the well-being of all residents.

Discussions during the roundtable centered on various strategies, including innovative housing options, enhanced support services, community engagement initiatives, and policy advocacy efforts. Participants exchanged valuable insights and shared successful approaches from their respective fields of expertise.

Roundtable panelists included Jeff DeMario, CEO of Vita Nova; James Green, Palm Beach County Community Services Director; Dr. Tomara Mays, CEO of Homeless Coalition; Shannon Nazworth, Chair of the Florida Homelessness Council; Allie Severino, West Palm Beach Homeless Outreach Specialist; and Diana Stanely, CEO of The Lord’s Place.

Following the event, Mayor James emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing homelessness, stating, "Today's discussion marks a significant step forward in our collective commitment to finding sustainable solutions to homelessness in West Palm Beach and throughout the entire State of Florida. By working together and leveraging our resources, we can make meaningful progress in improving the lives of those experiencing homelessness."

The roundtable concluded with a renewed sense of urgency and determination among participants to implement actionable strategies and initiatives. Mayor James expressed gratitude to all attendees for their valuable contributions and pledged to continue prioritizing efforts to address homelessness in the City.

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About the City of West Palm Beach:

The City of West Palm Beach is a vibrant and dynamic City located on the Atlantic coast of Florida. With a rich history, a thriving arts and cultural scene, and a commitment to sustainability, the City of West Palm Beach is a great place to live, work, and play. As one of the three largest cities making up the South Florida region, and the central City of Palm Beach County, West Palm Beach is a vibrant, growing, waterfront City that seamlessly blends the business advantages available in the region with a more refined and relaxed environment for living and working, making it an exceptional destination for both residents and professionals alike. To learn more about the City of West Palm Beach, visit us on our official website, or follow us on our social media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and/or Linked-in.