VITA NOVA / COURTESY PHOTOS
Vita Nova, a local nonprofit helping homeless young people in Palm Beach County, has received a generous gift.
The city of Boynton Beach is providing a $200,000 grant, creating a new partnership and launching Boynton Beach Safe Haven, a new program focusing specifically on helping vulnerable young people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness find housing and jobs.
“We are thrilled to receive this grant to expand our outreach and help more youth in need,” said Jeff DeMario, CEO of Vita Nova Inc. “Quite often in Palm Beach County, youth experiencing homelessness are transient. Youth experiencing homeliness are often unsheltered, living in places not fit for living, such as abandoned buildings, storage units, in their cars and in parks. There are approximately 627 homeless youth in Palm Beach County and over 130 youth on the acuity list, meaning they are ready and need housing when housing is available.”
Boynton Beach Safe Haven officials said it’s difficult for underserved young people to escape homelessness and build a stable life. Providing them with access to safe and supportive housing, education and employment can help young adults aged 18 to 24 to build skills for self-sufficiency and a better future.