MyShayla says:

Circles is a community outreach program to help prevent poverty in families. Circles showed me that my family is not alone. There are actually other families like mine who also want to do better in life. I am thankful for circles because it helped me to realize that if i am in need there is a community resource that is able to help. I have established a savings and my home is in the process of being built for our Family. 

The American Library Association’s policy statement on library services to the poor states that “it is crucial that libraries recognize their role in enabling poor people to participate fully in a democratic society, by utilizing a wide variety of available resources and strategies.” The Palm Beach County Library System embodies this idea on a daily basis as we strive to achieve our mission to “connect communities, inspire, thought, and enrich lives.” In addition to giving residents free access to a world of information and educational content through events and workshops, books, films, and electronic resources, we also tackle the issue of the digital divide. Through access to computers, free wifi (inside and outside our buildings), mobile hotpots that can be borrowed, and advanced video and audio content production tools, we work diligently to equalize the playing field when it comes to technology. Over the last few years, the Library has also become a place where Palm Beach County residents who are struggling financially can seek relief. In collaboration with various County Departments as well as non-profits, families can apply for SNAP & veteran benefits, seek help in applying for rental and energy assistance, and can receive free nutritious meals during the summer months. The Palm Beach County Library System is poised and ready to respond to community needs as they arise, and to continue offering the same great services, collections, and events that Palm Beach County has come to enjoy.

To visit the PBC Library's website click here.

The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity is awarding $74 million to agencies across the state. Funded projects are designed to promote public infrastructure and workforce training.

The application will be open for as long as funding exists, so apply early!

Did you know, the State of Florida has a rent control preemption? This means that local cities and counties can only impose rent control ordinances if the housing emergency is so grave as to constitute a serious menace to the general public. Many Senators and House Representatives have tried to over turn this bill with no avail.

To learn more about this concept and its impacts, please read this document by the Urban Institute

You can also read this news article from 2019 that describes this challenge locally.

Lastly, you can see the progression of the last few bills here:

For more jobs, click here.