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Commission weighs county-funded tiny-home pilot for homeless; Pastor Reese to lead local coordination
Summary
City managers and commissioners discussed county funding for tiny-home shelters limited to industrial/commercial parcels; Pastor Reese volunteered to coordinate research and report back, and the commission requested workshops and site suggestions.
City officials told the commission Jan. 27 that Palm Beach County has funding available to support small home (tiny-home) sites for persons experiencing homelessness, but that county conditions limit locations to industrial and commercial parcels.
The City Manager said the county has suggested possible sites and tiny‑home types and asked the city to propose alternatives if the suggested parcels are unsuitable. "The parcels will be located only in industrial and commercial zones," staff said in the meeting record.
Commissioner (Pastor) Reese volunteered to take the lead on local coordination; he said he has visited a Savannah tiny‑home project and will contact contacts there to gather information and best practices. "It'll be my honor to do so," Pastor Reese said, offering to report back to the commission and chair.
Commissioners asked staff to schedule follow-up workshops to review recommended sites and ordinances from other municipalities. A plan for additional public workshops was discussed and staff were asked to compile sample ordinances and approaches used by peer cities to address nuisance, safety and services for residents of such projects.
No formal funding commitment or site approval was made at the meeting; commissioners emphasized the importance of including supportive social services (case management, mental‑health referrals) alongside housing if the pilot proceeds.
