Riviera Beach Program Finds Homes for 100 Families Facing Homelessness

Riviera Beach, Florida, USA - In a significant stride towards combating homelessness in Riviera Beach, at least 100 individuals are now in secure housing through a Palm Beach County-funded program. Spurred by a nearly $480,000 grant, this initiative has allowed participants to stay temporarily in two motels while they work to find permanent accommodations. Since May, the program has been a beacon of hope for families and individuals who were previously facing an uncertain future.

Among the success stories is Artaevia Mills, who recently transitioned from living in her car and couch surfing to securing her own unit with her daughter. Mills’s journey to stability has not been easy; she survived a shooting over a year ago and struggled to find lasting housing since. She expressed immense gratitude, calling the assistance she received „a big blessing“ that contributed to her newfound stability and her daughter’s happiness.

A Broader Context

This program is a part of a larger effort within Palm Beach County to tackle homelessness, which has been described as a crisis. A recent Point-in-Time (PIT) Count conducted on January 30 and 31, 2025, revealed an encouraging trend with a roughly 28.5% reduction in homelessness compared to the previous year. A total of 1,520 unsheltered individuals were counted, alongside significant decreases in veteran, senior, and chronic homelessness.

However, recent challenges have surfaced. Governor Ron DeSantis vetoed $1 million in funding aimed at bolstering the county’s homeless unit, leading to concerns about sustaining these positive developments. Dr. James Green, director of the Palm Beach County Community Services Department, stated that while this veto won’t directly impact specific projects, it does affect the overall efforts to shelter those in need. The county is actively pursuing other funding sources and fostering partnerships with local landlords to increase rental opportunities for the homeless.

Community Commitment

The commitment to addressing homelessness is evident through various local initiatives. The county boasts the Tiny Cottage Housing Program, which has successfully established 17 small cottages equipped with essential amenities for residents. Efforts also include renovation projects at local hotels to serve seniors and veterans at risk of becoming homeless.

Moreover, community involvement has been pivotal in these endeavors. The Smart Landlord Campaign has seen 150 landlords recruited to assist vetted tenants with their rent through a collaborative approach where the county contributes part of the rent. The ongoing support and engagement from local businesses, churches, and non-profit organizations play critical roles in combating homelessness in the region.

As the county continues to navigate the complexities of homelessness, advocates and leaders emphasize the need for a community-wide approach. The various programs and initiatives signify a collective effort to provide not just immediate shelter, but also pathways toward stability and permanent housing. With hope and hard work, Palm Beach County is carving out a brighter future for those affected by homelessness.

For more information, visit WPTV, Boca Raton Tribune, and WFLX.