MEDIA NOTICE: All press inquiries should be emailed to PIO@taskforceoutreach.org. Thank you.

TaskForce Fore Ending Homelessness Expands Collaboration with Broward County 

for Comprehensive Outreach, Housing and Mental Health Services

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL, January 16 th, 2024 — In a groundbreaking initiative to address the critical needs of residents experiencing homelessness, the Broward County Board of County Commissioners, Broward County Human Services Department, and Broward County Transportation Department have expanded collaboration with TaskForce Fore Ending Homelessness to launch a program aimed at enhancing access to critical services for people using and living within the transportation system. This effort truly employs innovative strategies to provide more immediate support and resources.

Key Features of the Pilot Initiative:

Comprehensive Outreach: The joint efforts will focus on identifying and engaging individuals experiencing homelessness in and around transit terminals, benches, properties and buses. A dedicated outreach team will connect with these individuals and assess their unique needs to link them with the most appropriate resources.

Housing Solutions: TaskForce Fore Ending Homelessness, in coordination with Broward County Human Services and other providers, will work towards providing housing solutions tailored to the specific circumstances of those identified during outreach efforts. This may include transitional housing, temporary shelter, and/or permanent housing options. Broward County has committed to providing ten (10) ongoing permanent housing subsidies with case management services for participants of this initiative.

Mental Health and Substance Use Professionals: Recognizing the critical intersection of homelessness and mental health, the collaboration incorporates licensed mental health professionals from the TaskForce team who will work on buses and at the transit terminals to offer support, clinical interventions and resources to individuals struggling with mental health challenges.

It's important to note that this pilot program represents just a small part of the comprehensive plan for continuous quality improvement and accessibility at TaskForce. The organization’s dedication to improving the quality of life for vulnerable community members remains steadfast and is working collectively toward a future where homelessness no longer occurs in the community. If you or someone you know is experiencing homelessness in Broward County, you can call the helpline at (954) 563-HELP (4357).

Community Partners Unite to Aid Neighbors Facing Homelessness in Chilling Conditions

On December 11, 2023, at 11:00 a.m., TaskForce Fore Ending Homelessness, Inc. will be facilitating Wellview Care at North Fork Park, 200 NW 18th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale. The organization is sponsoring and distributing winter care packages in the form of backpacks filled with blankets and essential supplies to support individuals and families facing homelessness in Broward County.

Established in 2020, Wellview Care, a nonprofit center specializing in STD testing and treatment, originally serving Broward, has expanded its reach to include Palm Beach County and has plans for further expansion. Through the cultivation of community relationships, Wellview Care seeks to actively address the crucial need for prevention and intervention in the spread of STDs.

Adolfo Lorenzo, the Founder and President of Wellview Care, consistently emphasizes: "Fostering the strength of our community in need is more than a decision; it embodies a dedication to resilience, compassion, and the steadfast conviction that, collectively, we have the capacity to conquer any obstacle. Amid adversity, we remain united, persistently pursuing a brighter tomorrow for all, never relenting in our commitment."

In response to cold weather alerts, TaskForce has traditionally organized impromptu coat drives to protect those living on the streets from extreme temperatures. With Broward County declaring a cold-weather emergency in 2023, temporary shelters were set up. Jacob Torner, Vice President of Programs, expressed gratitude to their community partner, stating, "Through the generosity of our community partner, these backpacks filled with blankets and critical supplies will offer more than warmth; they will provide a tangible expression of compassion. In each bag, we can forge a connection that transforms shared empathy into a beacon of hope against the cold winds of despair."

Since its establishment in 1999, TaskForce has been committed to providing comprehensive services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness. With support from various government, non-profit, and charity organizations, TaskForce offers a path for people to regain permanent housing stability and access critical healthcare and human services.

TaskForce and Mickey Byrne’s Irish Pub to Team up for Holiday Fundraiser

HOLLYWOOD, FL, December 5, 2023 – TaskForce Fore Ending Homelessness, Inc., is kicking off its Cheers for Charity fundraiser at the popular, Mickey Byrne’s Irish Pub in Hollywood Florida on December 20^th, 2023. Customers who dine at Mickey’s between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. that evening will have the opportunity to help a neighbor experiencing homelessness just by ordering dinner. For every customer who presents the event flyer, the restaurant will donate 25 percent of the food and beverage sale from the bill to TaskForce. Donations from the event will be used to help with move-in costs associated with securing permanent housing for families and individuals who are currently homeless in Broward County.

Mickey Byrne’s Irish Pub has a long history of supporting important causes in the community and abroad. Since its establishment in November 2008, this local favorite has partnered with charitable organizations to participate in sixty fundraising events raising more than $100,000 for charities like St. Baldricks Childhood Cancer. Mickey’s mission is to bring an authentic piece of modern Ireland to South Florida and cultivate a legacy of compassion for those in need.

“Hollywood has been my home for many years, and I see how people are struggling, especially in the last few years. When I think about families, and the children being on the street, it is heartbreaking. So, when I heard about TaskForce and what they do, I wanted to help.” – Mark Rowe, Owner, Mickey Byrne’s Irish Pub.

In 2023, TaskForce has seen an increase of 110 percent more families each month living on the streets compared to 2022. For 20 years, TaskForce has secured permanent housing and provided supportive services to over 180,000 people. Since January this year, TaskForce has placed 140 households in permanent housing and made more than 3,600 referrals to shelter programs.

“We are truly grateful for the compassion and support of businesses like Mickey Byrne’s Irish Pub in our community that exemplify the power of unity and kindness." - Jacob Torner, Vice President, Programs.

Since 1999, TaskForce has been providing comprehensive services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Through funding from various government, non-profit and charity organizations, the organization provides a path for people to regain permanent housing stability and connect to critical healthcare and human services.

TaskForce Fore Ending Homelessness Recognized by Florida Attorney General

TaskForce joins Florida Attorney General’s 100 Percent Club for Outstanding Efforts in Combating Human Trafficking in Broward County.

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL, November 15^th, 2023 — TaskForce Fore Ending Homelessness, a leading non-profit organization dedicated to ending homelessness in Broward County has been officially recognized for a second year in a row by Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody and her office for its unwavering commitment to identifying and disrupting human trafficking.

The 100 Percent Club is a partnership between organizations and the Florida Office of the Attorney General that recognizes organizations for taking proactive steps to train employees on the signs of human trafficking, and for providing quick reference resources to effectively report human trafficking.

In a commendation letter issued by The Attorney General’s Statewide Council on Human Trafficking, the TaskForce Fore Ending Homelessness was appreciated for its exemplary efforts in the fight against human trafficking, particularly in the context of regularly training staff members on how to address and prevent this heinous crime within the vulnerable population of people residing unsheltered in Broward County.

TaskForce Fore Ending Homelessness has implemented innovative programs and initiatives to raise awareness, provide resources, and offer support to individuals at risk of falling victim to human trafficking. The organization's commitment to education, outreach, and increasing access to housing has played a pivotal role in creating a safer environment for the residents of Broward County.

"We are deeply honored to receive this recognition from Attorney General Ashley Moody and her office. It underscores the importance of our collective efforts in addressing the complex issue of human trafficking within the vulnerable population of people who experience homelessness," said Jacob Torner, Vice President of Programs at TaskForce Fore Ending Homelessness. "This acknowledgment motivates us to redouble our efforts and continue working tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone in our community."

TaskForce Fore Ending Homelessness extends its gratitude to Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody and all its partners for their ongoing support and commitment to combating human trafficking. The organization looks forward to continuing its collaborative efforts with government agencies, law enforcement, and the community to create lasting change that ends homelessness and human trafficking in Broward County.