Join the Real Change Movement West Palm Beach

Save to Favorites

What is the Real Change Movement WPB?:

The Real Change Movement is a national initiative launched in Pasadena by Flintridge Center and the Pasadena Housing and Career Services Department. The Homeless Coalition of Palm Beach County has partnered with the City of West Palm Beach to join this initiative. The focus is on raising awareness about the issues of homelessness and to harness the power of the community to view the act of giving as an uplifting, positive experience that will make a difference.

The goal is to help provide homes for the homeless with the credit card and small change donations you make through our special orange meter program. The initiative also aims to redirect spare change that may go to individuals who may or may not be homeless who are panhandling and instead provide a more effective way for the public to give. The Real Change Movement seeks to touch hearts and minds with a long-term, positive approach to a common concern.

Can you really provide "homes"?:

Did you know that it takes an average of $2,800 to help a homeless individual get back into a permanent housing situation. For a family the amount is close to $5,000. All the funds generated by the meters and strategically placed collection "houses" in West Palm Beach will go straight toward funding this opportunity for a homeless individual or family.

Why orange meters?

These bright, bold orange meters are symbols of help and hope. This is a collaborative effort that seeks to touch hearts and minds with a long-term, positive approach to a common concern.

Why should I donate my change and or time at a meter?

By joining the Real Change Movement, you know where your money will be going. You can be assured that your donation will be directly helping someone end their homelessness.

The meters offer an opportunity to raise awareness about homelessness.

You know that your change is helping those who are homeless in West Palm Beach as we work together to fund permanent housing efforts for the homeless.

Issues of Homelessness:

Homelessness is caused by tragic life occurrences, such as job loss, domestic violence, divorce, family disputes, loss of a love one and eviction. Other impairments such as drug addictions, depression, untreated mental illness, post-traumatic stress disorder and physical disabilities are also responsible for homelessness. Many combinations of these factors push people into living on the street.

Helping to get someone housed again is cost effective. The cost of treating the highest users of public facilities, such as clinics, emergency rooms and jails, due to issues including psychological and physical illness is very high. On average, it costs the public approximately $67,000 per person per year. In comparison, it costs approximately $19,000 per person per year when they can get housing and routine services.

Where will these funds be used:

100% of funds collected through the meter donation system and online at www.realchangemovementwpb.org will be used to help those who are homeless in the West Palm Beach area. You can see how your change is making a difference.

(So far we have almost 20K! We are fundraising to raise our first 50K by September 2017 and the Cityof WPB is going to match that 50K.)

We want you to be happy:

Studies show that those who give to a good cause, who actively help others, are measurably happier. So join the movement.

Help the Homeless. Become Happier.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NyE5laTNYkY&feature=youtu.be >