Community Partners Of South Florida (CPSFL) stands as a beacon of hope and progress in Palm Beach County. Founded in 1986, this impactful organization is dedicated to partnering with families to cultivate healthy communities and enhance their quality of life. Through a comprehensive suite of services, Community Partners of South Florida addresses critical needs in housing and family support, reaching over 10,000 individuals annually.
Originally established as Housing Partnership, CPSFL has broadened its reach to offer a diverse array of programs. These initiatives include vital housing counseling and homebuyer education, empowering individuals to achieve sustainable homeownership. Recognizing the importance of stable housing, Community Partners of South Florida also engages in housing development through a community land trust, ensuring long-term affordability. Furthermore, CPSFL provides supportive housing programs tailored for special needs populations, demonstrating their commitment to inclusivity and comprehensive care.
Beyond housing, Community Partners of South Florida delivers crucial family services. They operate a residential treatment program for addiction recovery, offering pathways to healing and renewed lives. Mental health services are also a cornerstone of their offerings, with therapy and case management available for children, adults, and families through their Child & Family Mental Health Services component. Understanding the significance of early childhood support, CPSFL provides education and resources for expecting and new parents. Additionally, they invest in the future generation through mentoring and after-school programs for children and teens.
To amplify their community development efforts, Community Partners of South Florida secured financing from the Florida Community Loan Fund (FCLF). This crucial partnership involves a revolving line of credit, enabling CPSFL to purchase and rehabilitate 9 to 12 single-family homes. These revitalized properties are then offered for sale to low- and moderate-income families in Palm Beach County, fostering homeownership opportunities within the community. CPSFL’s extensive expertise in development, coupled with their housing counseling and mortgage origination capabilities, ensures clients receive comprehensive support and a high-quality home.
The strategic focus of Community Partners of South Florida with this FCLF loan is Riviera Beach and the North End of West Palm Beach. These areas, characterized by some of the county’s oldest residential neighborhoods dating back to the mid-20th century, possess significant redevelopment potential. Alarmingly, approximately 27% of homes in this target area are abandoned, demolished, or severely distressed, highlighting the urgent need for revitalization. These neighborhoods also face significant economic challenges, with poverty rates ranging from 33% to 54% and median household incomes between 42% and 64% of the Area Median Income (AMI). CPSFL’s initial project in Riviera Beach is a collaborative endeavor with Faith Deliverance- Feeding Hope Village, a faith-based group. This phase I project is part of a larger vision encompassing a multi-purpose church and affordable rental apartments, demonstrating a holistic approach to community upliftment.
The area’s resurgence is further bolstered by the RISE initiative, a recent undertaking designed to address critical community needs in housing, healthcare, employment, and education. This collaborative effort receives support from both public and private sectors, signifying a united front in fostering sustainable community growth.
Lynda Charles, Vice President of Housing Services at Community Partners of South Florida, highlights the strength of their collaboration with FCLF: “CPSFL appreciates the straightforward approach of FCLF staff. Our first loan closing had some challenges but we always found a way to work together and find a solution to resolve the issues at hand.” This testament underscores the power of partnership in overcoming obstacles and achieving shared goals in community development.
Community Partners of South Florida exemplifies the transformative impact of dedicated organizations working in tandem with financial partners to address housing challenges and build thriving communities. Their commitment to providing comprehensive services, from housing to mental health support, makes them an invaluable asset to Palm Beach County and a model for effective community development initiatives.
