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Homelessness is one of our nation’s most serious problems. While there are many causes of homelessness, the primary cause is the growing gap between housing costs and income. With Florida's jobless rate at its highest in 15 years, Palm Beach County is in the midst of a crisis in its inability to provide adequate shelter and affordable housing for homeless people. Although it is difficult to estimate the number of homeless people locally, 1600 homeless children were identified in the Palm Beach County school system last year. Therefore it is estimated that thousands of needy people are homeless in Palm Beach County on any given night.
The Homeless Coalition of Palm Beach County was formed in 1986 as a voice for the homeless in our county. We work with the community to advocate for the rights of the homeless and to raise funds and awareness for the homeless. The Homeless Coalition serves as a catalyst for community collaboration to prevent and end homelessness. Our members include homeless advocates, the business community, government, service providers, faith-based communities, people who are currently experiencing or who have experienced homelessness, academics and many other community stakeholders.
Established in 1986 in conjunction with a state task force on homelessness convened by then-Governor Bob Graham, the Coalition is a non-profit organization incorporated in 1989 as The Homeless Coalition of Palm Beach County, Inc. During this process, a Board of Directors was formed, By-laws written, and the Coalition hired its first staff.