As part of our extended strategic plan to help more people across Palm Beach County over the next three years, we're implementing new ways to positively impact those most vulnerable. This includes making emergency financial assistance and childcare funding available to Delray Beach residents, as well as expanding our Pantry Bag Program to include Delray Beach for the first time ever.
Previously limited to Boca Raton and Boynton Beach residents, BHH is now making financial assistance available to Delray Beach residents in crisis, helping them with rent, utilities, and childcare expenses through our Resource Center. Following Delray Beach, the goal is to expand the program to Lantana/Lake Worth residents and, eventually, to the other zip codes in Palm Beach County that we serve. As federally funded pandemic financial assistance and eviction moratoriums expire, we expect to see increased demand for our financial assistance services. BHH also works in partnership with Spanish River Church and Ruth & Norman Rales Jewish Family Services to provide joint emergency financial support to clients by combining resources and funds.
Additionally, we've now expanded our food distribution schedule to include Delray Beach two days a week. Our decision to service the west Delray Beach community was based on the area’s lack of both healthy food sources and hunger relief services. According to the USDA Economic Research Service, the area south of Atlantic Avenue on Jog Road is considered to have low access to healthy food sources, combined with low income and a shortage of nearby food pantries. As a response to the underserved need within this community, BHH has added a bi-weekly distribution at Bethel Evangelical Baptist Church, our new distribution partner, on Tuesdays from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm and Thursdays from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. This new distribution location in Delray Beach will also become our fifth location serving families during our Thanksgiving Box Brigade. With this additional pick-up location, we expect to help a record 3,000 families celebrate a happy Thanksgiving this year.
