Homeless Outreach Team

(HOT)

One of the most effective ways of determining what programs and services are most needed by homeless people is to ask them. One-to-one chats are conducted by a group known as the Homeless Outreach Team (HOT). Human Services has a team whose members go to places throughout the county where homeless people are known to congregate. The friendly, non-threatening discussions build trust and rapport, enabling members to complete an assessment.

To address homelessness in our community, Palm Beach County formed a Homeless Outreach Team (HOT) that works directly with service providers to focus specifically on supporting people experiencing homelessness by connecting them to services whenever possible. Palm Beach County’s HOT Team is supported fully by the Homeless and Housing Alliance (HHA) Palm Beach County’s Continuum of Care.

It is the goal of the HOT Team to work towards addressing the issue of homelessness by providing resources, contact, and/or housing through individualized case management, ultimately providing long-term solutions which help both the individual and the community. The team receives referrals from the community and patrol deputies. The HOT team will contact the individual to encourage and educate them about local services that are available.

How do we help?

• Bridge the gap between homelessness and help
• Help to determine why a person may be homeless
• Works with agencies to remove barriers

In addition to directly engaging with people experiencing homelessness, The HOT Team also works to increase awareness of available services and efforts by collaborating with city and county agencies, local for-profit & non-profit businesses, homeless shelters, food banks, faith-based organizations, law enforcement, and concerned citizens.

If you, or someone you know or have seen, is experiencing homelessness, contact the HOT Team at (833) HHA‑WILL