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Downtown ambassadors guide visitors, aid unhoused residents in West Palm Beach
Summary
A WPB TV segment highlights the city’s Downtown Ambassador program — run by the Downtown Development Authority with contractor Block by Block — noting ambassadors assist visitors, perform cleaning and pressure-washing, and connect unhoused people with outreach services.
Alan Gonzalez, a downtown ambassador in West Palm Beach, walked a visiting couple across a busy block and confirmed their lawyer’s office on the phone in Spanish so they would not get lost, a local news segment reported.
The segment, produced by Cheryl Kahn of WPB TV, said the ambassador program was brought to West Palm Beach by the Downtown Development Authority in partnership with Block by Block, a private company that provides similar services in other cities. It described three core functions: cleaning, pressure washing and public-safety or "safety" ambassadors who assist visitors and businesses.
"They are there to focus on making you feel welcomed in our downtown and letting you know that they're here to help you and assist you for anything that you need," the segment said.
The report said ambassadors also coordinate with the city’s homeless outreach team to offer resources and referrals to people who are unhoused. It included remarks from a downtown resident identified as Chris, who the segment said is chronically unhoused and in recovery for substance abuse; he said ambassadors have helped him find shelter and treatment in the past and continue to check on him.
The segment framed ambassadors as a customer-service and public-space maintenance presence: helping with directions, picking up trash and assisting business owners and visitors. It noted the program emphasizes personal contact and language access in some interactions, citing the Spanish-language assistance Alan provided.
The report did not specify contract terms, staffing levels, funding sources, or how the Downtown Development Authority and Block by Block divide responsibilities. It also did not provide a city response or independent data on outcomes such as reductions in litter or connections to shelter services.
The segment concluded that ambassadors are working daily to keep downtown "in great shape," quoting the reporter, Cheryl Kahn. No formal city action or vote was described in the broadcast.
