Community rallies to support homeless family in crisis

In a recent government meeting, officials highlighted a successful intervention for a family of eleven experiencing homelessness in Delray Beach. The family, initially found sleeping behind a local business, was quickly assisted by city officials and the Boynton Beach Police Department. Officer Jamilis and a homeless outreach team mobilized within hours, providing resources that led to the family being placed in a motel in West Palm Beach, where the children are now attending school.

City officials praised the collaborative efforts of various agencies, including Adopt a Family and the Interfaith Committee for Social Services, which played a crucial role in securing the family's residency status—an essential step for accessing shelter. Funding is currently being arranged to maintain the family's stay in the motel until they can transition into permanent housing.

The meeting also addressed the ongoing efforts regarding the Frog Alley Historic District designation. Assistant Director Amy Alvarez provided an update, noting that the steering committee last met in April and plans to reconvene in September. The historic preservation division has been focused on completing a resource survey of a local cemetery, a project tied to a grant deadline. Alvarez assured that once this survey is completed, the team will refocus on the Frog Alley project, which remains a priority for the city.

Public comments included remarks from Gary Eliopoulos, vice president of the Community Land Trust, who sought to clarify the organization's role and address recent community concerns regarding its board members. The meeting underscored the city's commitment to addressing homelessness and preserving local history through collaborative efforts and community engagement.