Published on December 04, 2025
Through its Housing and Community Development (HCD) Department’s Community Services Team, the City of West Palm Beach continues it's efforts to enhance the quality of life for residents by developing housing, social, and economic opportunities. In collaboration with multiple social service providers, City staff work to connect individuals with the resources and support needed to achieve stability and self-sufficiency.
Meet Rene, a 66-year-old former traveling nurse whose life changed after being diagnosed with a serious medical condition. As her health declined, she became unable to work and began surviving out of her car. In early November 2025, her vehicle was repossessed due to nonpayment, leaving her completely unsheltered.
The West Palm Beach Police Department made initial contact and promptly contacted the Community Services Division for assistance. Upon meeting Rene, it was clear her situation was urgent. She had no family support, no active benefits, limited mobility, and no safe place to recover.
The outreach team immediately went to work. Due to her inability to walk safely, a walker was secured through Clinica Can Help. Appointments were scheduled to obtain a Florida ID, begin her Social Security retirement benefits, and activate Medicare coverage. She was referred and accepted into the Salvation Army Medical Respite Program to ensure she could recover in a safe environment.
With transportation and hands-on support, Rene has already successfully obtained a Florida ID and completed her interviews with Social Security and Medicare. Her financial and medical benefits are scheduled to begin shortly. Soon, Rene is expected to have sufficient income to sustain housing, based on her years of work as a traveling nurse.
This case highlights the power of rapid, cross-department collaboration and how timely intervention can stabilize even the most vulnerable situations with dignity and care.
557 total services were rendered citywide to 154 individuals experiencing or at imminent risk of homelessness. The figures below highlight the Community Services Team's efforts and impacts:
ENGAGEMENTS OCCURRED throughout the City parks, neighborhoods, targeted, and reported locations to offer homeless services.
Chronically homeless from WPB were SUCCESSFULLY HOUSED or SHELTERED through community partnerships.
Individuals received referrals and access to MENTAL HEALTH and SUBSTANCE USE SERVICES.
Chronically homeless utilized our Homeward Bound Program.
Support Services provided including homeless prevention, financial assistance, bus passes, hygiene kits, documentation procurement and more...
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Individual SERVICE REFUSALS.
ENGAGEMENTS OCCURRED in the Downtown city limits of West Palm Beach.
Chronically homeless from the Downtown area were SUCCESSFULLY HOUSED or SHELTERED through community partnerships.
Chronically homeless in the Downtown area utilized our Homeward Bound Program.
Individual SERVICE REFUSALS occurred Downtown
BUSINESSES CONTACTED through targeted outreach, including 34 in the Downtown area.
WALK-IN’S SERVED at the Eva W. Mack Community Hub.
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Eva W Mack Community Hub 1540 N. Australian Ave, West Palm Beach FL 33407 Questions? Call our main office! (561) 804-4970
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