More children face homelessness as housing market pushes people out of paradise
LAKE WORTH BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — Rising rent, a low housing inventory and inflation are all affecting the youngest people in Palm Beach County.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly one-in-three American households was facing eviction or foreclosure in December.
Agencies like Adopt-A-Family in Lake Worth told CBS12 News they are helping nearly 800 children in the county who were struggling with different forms of homelessness. That number is a 10 percent increase from just last April.
Matt Constantine, the CEO of Adopt-A-Family, said the housing crisis is in part to blame.
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"The issue of affordable housing has evolved into available housing. There seems to be a real scarcity right now," Constantine said.
The scarcity in the market is driving up the prices of homes and apartments in the Sunshine State and Constatine said that's driving people out of their homes. Now, families who typically would not need help are in a rough situation.
"We are seeing a lot of families who are up for lease renewal and they are facing an increase of $600 or $800 a month," Constantine said.
Staff says children in Palm Beach County are being affected tremendously and Adopt-A-Family is one of the agencies that work with the School District of Palm Beach County to make sure students have affordable options.
"Our kids do have to change schools numerous times. They have had to relocate and stay at friends' houses," Constantine explained. "Chronic absenteeism is a big issue."
The Palm Beach County Food Bank said 53,000 children are at risk of being food insecure and this summer, they project they'll distribute about 2 percent more meals than last summer.
Last summer, the Palm Beach County Food Bank distributed 131,463 meals through 22 Childhood Hunger Initiatives Partner agencies throughout Palm Beach County.
