Initiatives

A major focus of the Homeless Coalition (HC) is to help fund the Ten-Year Plan to End Homelessness in Palm Beach County (The Plan).  The first step is to create a funding mechanism for families and individuals that are ready to end their homelessness and become self-sufficient in their own housing.  The Rapid Re-Housing program is for identified clients recommended by the Lewis Center homeless providers that may need up to 18 months (about 1 and a half years) of case management and housing funding of a maximum of $5,000.  This is a check request system, and the HC will fundraise and write grants to fund this program. 

A one-day, one-stop event for people who are homeless or are at eminent risk of becoming homeless. Project Connect has been identified by the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH) as an innovative initiative, recognized for its best-practice, effective, and results-oriented approach that can move people quickly towards housing and stability.

Project Connect provides an immediate solution to homelessness in our community, as a consumer-focused program aimed at providing for their basic needs.

The launch of Project Connect occurred in November 2008 after extensive research to identify a best practice model that met the immediate and basic needs of the homeless in communities.

Project Connect is a public/private initiative to mobilize our community to outreach to the homeless population, connect them to much needed services including but not limited to clothing, food, social security benefits, Florida [photo] IDs, medical, legal counseling, health screenings, dental care, eye care, employment counseling/ job placement, quality of life services (i.e., haircuts), and homeward bound for those desiring to relocate.   

Thanks to our Community Partners and donors, a community a serenity garden was established at the Philip D. Lewis Center. Bricks purchased by donors surround the garden and a park bench donated by the memory of Tom and Ann Connor.  This area can provide the clients at the Philip D. Lewis Center with a place to feel secure. 

Breaking Bread, Breaking Barriers (4B) Initiative provides 3 meals a day to the men & women living at the Homeless Resource Centers and gives local businesses, church groups and private donors the opportunity to sponsor and or a serve meal to the homeless men and women staying at the Senator Philip D. Lewis Center. This program not only nourishes the guests who are seeking to change their lives, but also creates awareness on issues surrounding homelessness and increases the community’s interaction with the centers. Without the adequate support the residents are fed the same meals that are served at the Palm Beach County Jail.

The Coalition operates a donation center at the Lewis Center to help provide the homeless in our community with the essentials needed to help end their homelessness. There is never a charge to the clients using the Resource Center.  Donations of clothing, toiletries, food items, bikes, toys, household items, linens, water, and other items are available to all clients who come through the Lewis Center and distributed as well to the Homeless Outreach Team and used at our Project Homeless Connect.

A Warm Welcome Kit is a bag of essentials that can be given to someone who is experiencing homelessness.  Packaged in a cloth shopping bag each kit has a blanket, socks, basic toiletries (toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, and shampoo), first aid kit, bottled water, can opener, rain poncho and healthy non-perishable snack.

What is a SMART Landlord?

During this week, each municipality is asked to present a proclamation declaring the week as Hunger and Homeless Awareness Week.

On December 21 of each year the HC holds a memorial service to pay respect to all the homeless individuals who have passed away during the year. Each name is read, positive thoughts and peace sent with each person. Many of our homeless community members participate in this day and share their remembrances and thoughts.