Chances are, sometime in your everyday life you will encounter people who are having difficulty making ends meet and providing for themselves or their families.  You may meet them in your neighborhood, your congregation, or at the grocery store.  Palm Beach County's Community Services Department is a valuable resource for residents who require assistance with basic living needs and getting on a plan for self-sufficiency.

The mission of Community Services is to promote independence and enhance the quality of life in Palm Beach County by providing effective and essential services to residents in need.  Their divisions provide help to seniors, veterans, low-income individuals and families, and the homeless.

Previously, I have shared with you the county's programs to assist homebound seniors with a variety of in-home services and an array of services to help our veterans.  You may have seen recent news reports of how the County Commission is working to site a second homeless resource center in the central area of the county that would expand homeless services that we currently provide at the Philip D. Lewis Homeless Resource Center in West Palm Beach.  All of these programs function under the umbrella of Community Services.

The local "Continuum of Care" for homeless persons as required by HUD, is responsible for utilizing a Client Management Information System (CMIS).  This information technology system collects data on the clients accessing our services, the services rendered and housing provided for those who are currently homeless or at risk of homelessness.  Many non-profit and faith based organizations make up the network of service providers, and the CMIS is designed to collect data from all agencies and organizations that the client engages.  One of the benefits of the system is to prevent the duplication of services and the efficient use of resources.  It also serves as a reporting tool for outcomes and promotes effective access to support services.  For example, the county can report on indicators like the percentage of households who exit to permanent housing when they leave an assistance or shelter program.  This helps the county evaluate our programs and report results to HUD.

A client's entry into the CMIS system begins with the very first call.  Clients are assessed to determine vulnerability, and then are referred to the appropriate service provider based on priority.

For a guide to homeless resources in Palm Beach County, see http://www.thehomelessplan.org/pdf/Homeless_Resource_Guide.pdf.

Additionally, Community Services operates the Community Action Program to help residents suffering from poverty.  It serves to fill in the gaps to help people remain self-sufficient and includes vocational and occupational skills training, adult basic education and employment assistance, and transportation assistance.  Emergency services are also available in times of crisis for those needing help with a utility payment or rental assistance to prevent eviction.  There are specific income eligibility requirements based on available programs.  To make an appointment with a counselor at one of five locations around the county, a resident can register online at https://secure.co.palm-beach.fl.us/CSDServiceEligibility/Account/Login.aspx from home or at one of the county public libraries, or call the main number at 561-355-4792.

As always, please contact me if I can be of assistance at (561) 355-2201, or by email at hvaleche@pbcgov.org. ​