RIVIERA BEACH, FL – June 2026 – Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Palm Beach is pleased to announce the receipt of a $60,000 grant from the Cathleen McFarlane Foundation to support homelessness prevention services through its Hunger, Homeless and Outreach Program.
The funding will provide critical assistance to individuals and families facing housing instability throughout Palm Beach County, helping prevent evictions and keeping vulnerable households safely housed during times of financial crisis.
"We are deeply grateful to the Cathleen McFarlane Foundation for its continued partnership and commitment to helping families remain in their homes," said Dr. Ellen T. Wayne, Chief Executive Officer of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Palm Beach. "As housing costs continue to rise across our community, this support provides a lifeline for families who are working hard but facing temporary hardships that place them at risk of homelessness."
The grant will support direct rental and mortgage assistance for approximately 24 households experiencing a temporary financial crisis. In addition, grant funding will help support case management services that provide financial coaching, budgeting assistance, self-sufficiency planning, and connections to community resources.
Palm Beach County continues to face significant housing affordability challenges. Many low-income working families are struggling to keep pace with rising rental costs, utility expenses, transportation costs, and other necessities. Even a short-term setback such as a medical emergency, loss of employment, or unexpected repair expense can place a household at immediate risk of eviction.
Catholic Charities' Hunger, Homeless and Outreach Program addresses these challenges through a comprehensive approach that combines financial assistance with individualized case management. Program participants receive support in developing household budgets, increasing financial literacy, accessing public benefits, and connecting with community resources designed to promote long-term stability.
The program has demonstrated exceptional success in helping families maintain housing. Recent outcomes show that 96 percent of households assisted remained stably housed six months after receiving assistance, while 98 percent remained housed after twelve months.
In addition to direct assistance, the program serves as an important entry point for families seeking help. Each year, the program provides screening, navigation, and referrals to approximately 8,400 households across Palm Beach County, connecting individuals and families with a broad network of community resources and support services.
"The Cathleen McFarlane Foundation's investment allows us to respond quickly when families face a housing crisis," said Carol Rodriguez, Program Development and Quality Director. "Preventing homelessness is not only more effective than addressing it after it occurs, but it also preserves family stability, employment, educational continuity for children, and overall community well-being."
Catholic Charities remains committed to serving all individuals and families in need, regardless of faith, and continues to work collaboratively with community partners to reduce homelessness and strengthen the safety net for vulnerable residents throughout the Diocese of Palm Beach.
For more information about Catholic Charities and its Hunger, Homeless and Outreach Program, visit Catholic Charities' website here.
