Advocating to End Homelessness in South Florida

Homelessness and the issues that stem from it are a pressing issue in our nation and our county. Learn more about how you can become an advocate for ending homelessness by joining our cause.

Hidden Crisis

Homelessness has always been a problem in most developed countries. As of 2018, more than half a million people sleep on the streets any given night. However, this number usually doesn’t take into account families that find themselves in unsustainable living situations. Homelessness may not always be what some officials call “unsheltered homeless.” More often than not, homeless families are sleeping in their car, in an overcrowded home belonging to a friend or relative, or any other type of situation that is not conducive to a good home life.

There are more than 2.5 million homeless children in the United States every year. To put that into perspective—that’s 1 in 30. These unsustainable situations lead families to have to move often, and they increase domestic issues such as physical and sexual abuse. In order to give these children an opportunity at a good life, we must tackle this problem at the root and provide them with sustainable homes.

Quick Facts

• More families experience homelessness in the United States than in any other industrialized nation

• 85% of providers have seen family homelessness increasing in recent years throughout the country

• Families account for 37% of the overall homeless population

Palm Beach County

In Palm Beach County alone, between 19-25% of families are living in situational homelessness due to unemployment, divorce, or other problems. Palm Beach County has the second highest number of homeless children, which is why this issue is of great importance here in our community.

Our Impact

At Family Promise of South Palm Beach County, we have dedicated ourselves since 2008 to help end homelessness and the various issues that stem from it. Our program helps families find sustainable living situations, obtain any mental assistance they need, find secure employment, and learn about budgeting and finances in order to maintain a steady living situation for their children.

For instance, Joshua and Ann found themselves homeless after a job loss. We provided them with temporary housing, meals, life skills education and individual wrap-around services. Today, the family is on track toward owning a home. These are the types of changes we want to make in people’s lives, especially people who are a part of our community.

Advocacy

Being an advocate and helping as much as you can to end homelessness is one of the most important ways people can contribute to the solution. Unfortunately, many people feel advocacy is overwhelming—there’s a lot to do and many ways to do it.

One of the most important reasons to get involved is that your voice matters. Writing to your congressmen or senators about this issue will help them realize this is important for their constituents. Use this resource to find your representatives, and show them you care about this issue. Also, there are organizations like ours who provide avenues for those who would like to get involved in ending homelessness in Palm Beach County in sustainable ways. We have events and opportunities for volunteering. Of course, a lot of what we have been able to accomplish comes from donations. Anything you can supply—whether it’s your time or resources—can help us give every child the home they deserve.