This includes making emergency financial assistance and childcare funding available to Boynton Beach residents, helping individuals apply for state and federal benefits, as well as expanding our Pantry Bag Program.
Boynton Beach
Previously limited to Boca Raton residents, BHH is making financial assistance available to Boynton Beach residents in crisis, helping them with rent, utilities, and childcare expenses through our Resource Center. Following Boynton Beach, the goal is to expand the program to Lantana/Lake Worth residents and then, eventually, to the other zip codes in Palm Beach County that we serve.
Additionally, we've expanded our food distribution schedule in Boynton Beach from four days a week to five. We launched our first Boynton Beach satellite distribution site at First Baptist Church of Boynton Beach in November 2017, operating four days a week. Demand has steadily increased, growing from 355 pantry bags of groceries distributed in that first month to 1,375 bags distributed in April 2021. As a response to the growing need within this community, BHH has added distribution on Wednesday afternoons at St. John Missionary Baptist Church.
East Boca Raton
We've also expanded our main facility drive-thru Pantry Bag Program hours with a Thursday evening distribution in East Boca. It has been over a year since BHH suspended its Thursday night sit-down dinners due to the pandemic, but we're glad to be bringing services back in a modified fashion. This will help accommodate those who work during the day, making it easier for them to pick up pantry bags for their families.
Lantana/Lake Worth
In partnership with the Palm Beach County Food Bank and Advent Lantana Church, Boca Helping Hands is now helping individuals register for state and federal benefits. Through their Benefits Outreach Program, the Palm Beach County Food Bank is one of only seven organizations in Florida that provides the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) required federal food relief interview.
English and Spanish to register for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), Medicaid, and cash assistance. We have added this service due to the growing need within the community for hunger relief assistance. The goal is to assist individuals who may not have access to a computer or need assistance navigating the intricate application process.
