For many, the winter holidays represent a time to provide year-end gifts to organizations and charities to help those in need.  In Palm Beach County Government, we prioritize addressing housing and human service needs through cross-departmental teams.  Our goals include: 1) increasing the ability of those who work in the County to afford to live in the County; 2) reducing homelessness; and, 3) improving access to social services.

With the Prime Interest Rate at its highest since 2008, and the Consumer Price Index reaching levels not seen in southeast Florida since 1982, our residents are finding it difficult to meet the rising cost of living.  In 2022, a median-priced single family home cost nearly seven times median income.  Further, in order to afford the $1,578 fair market rent for a two-bedroom apartment, a tenant needs an annual income of $63,000 or $30.29 per hour.

Under the Workforce Housing Program (WHP), developers of new housing that come before the Commission for zoning and land use approvals are required to include below-market rate units to help increase our affordable housing stock.

The Department of Housing and Economic Development assists in construction, acquisition, rehabilitation, and mortgage assistance through federal and state-funded housing programs, helping households making up to 140% of area median income attain housing.

The County Commission has instituted initiatives to respond to the housing crisis, increase the inventory of affordable housing, and assist vulnerable residents.  This includes one-time federal allocations, commitment of ad valorem dollars, the $200 million housing bond approved by voters in November 2022, and collaborating with cities and the housing development industry to identify potential sites to repurpose into multi-family housing developments.  With regard to the housing bond, I did not support placing the debt service burden on taxpayers, but since the measure passed by the will of the voters I will work to ensure that the dollars are wisely spent and result in more affordable housing opportunities for our residents.

Our Community Services Department assists income-eligible applicants receive emergency funding to help households with rent, utilities, and food.    Beyond placing homeless persons in housing, Palm Beach County has received nationwide recognition for its Parks2Work Program, which offers wrap around services in the areas of case management, financial literacy, and employment training, with a focus on veterans and young adults leaving the foster care system.  Enhancing these efforts are the deployment of Fire Rescue’s Mobile Integrated Health Team and Youth Services’ summer camp scholarships.

Additionally, Palm Beach County works with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office and community-based agencies to distribute food to low-income neighborhoods throughout the year, serve summer meals at library locations, and provide Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefit consultations.  Most recently, the Lessing Group donated more than 150 turkeys and farm-fresh vegetables, through the Living Hungry organization to provide Thanksgiving meals to residents in four low-income neighborhoods in District 1.  Effective public-private partnerships are essential to these efforts.

If you, or someone you know needs assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at (561) 355-2201 or by email at mmarino@pbcgov.org.