In a significant community event, the Lord's Place celebrated the grand opening of the Fortin Family Campus in West Palm Beach, marking a milestone in the fight against homelessness. The ceremony, attended by local officials, community leaders, and supporters, highlighted the collaborative efforts that brought this project to fruition over five years.
Diana Stanley, CEO of the Lord's Place, expressed her gratitude to everyone involved in the journey, emphasizing the importance of community support in transforming the vision into reality. The new facility aims to provide not just shelter but a supportive environment for individuals seeking to rebuild their lives.
Artie Thornberg, chair of the board, underscored the significance of the campus as a home that offers warmth and belonging, rather than just a physical structure. Mayor Donnie Moore, representing the Mary Alice Fortin Foundation, praised the collective effort that made the campus possible, acknowledging the community's commitment to addressing homelessness.
Commissioner Kathleen Ward and County Commissioner Mac Bernard also spoke at the event, highlighting the ongoing challenges of homelessness and the need for comprehensive solutions that involve various levels of government and community participation. Bernard emphasized the necessity of \"breaking the rules\" to create effective housing solutions.
State Senator Bobby Powell reaffirmed the legislative commitment to ending homelessness, stating that it transcends partisan lines and is fundamentally a human issue. The event concluded with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, symbolizing a new chapter for the Lord's Place and its mission to provide essential services to those in need.
The Fortin Family Campus stands as a testament to the power of community collaboration and the ongoing efforts to create a supportive environment for the most vulnerable residents of Palm Beach County.