Help for the Homeless Can Be Just a
Phone Call Away

Volunteers recently surveyed the homeless population in Broward County. Last year’s Sheltered Homeless Point-in-Time Count showed that Broward’s homeless population grew by 18 percent.

Broward County has more than 3,800 homeless. Undoubtedly, you’ve been approached by one of them, whether during a lunchtime walk or in your car at a busy intersection. Were you uncomfortable, or unsure what to do? Did you wonder about the best way to deal with a request for money, a meal or shelter?

In the current economy, a single setback, such as illness, loss of a job or home foreclosure can force individuals and families into situations that can result in homelessness.

The Broward County Homeless Initiative Partnership (HIP) is the lead agency in the Broward Homeless Continuum and the focal point for planning and coordinating on behalf of homeless families and individuals. The HIP Section is also staff to the HIP Advisory Board, which is comprised of service providers, funders, stakeholders and advocates in the public, private, philanthropic and faith based sectors. More...

Broward County Celebrates Black History Month

The United States has been celebrating African-American contributions to its history annually since 1926, first as Negro History Week, which has now become Black History Month. February was chosen for the month long celebration because of the birthdates of two men who greatly influenced the black American population, Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln.

Black history had barely begun to be studied - or even documented - when the tradition originated. According to Elissa Haney, author of History of Black History Month, although blacks have been in America since colonial times, it was not until the 20th century that they gained a respectable presence in the history books.

This month, Broward County Library and Parks and Recreation Division will have displays, exhibits, special readings, movies, poetry, jazz and arts and crafts, all recognizing the contributions of blacks in American culture and history. And, be sure to view the special exhibit in the Governmental Center, From Slavery to the White House. More...

Environmental Agencies are Helping Protect Our Beaches and Reefs

Broward County’s beaches and off-shore coral reefs and wildlife attract national and international attention for their beauty and the number of visitors attracted to them. Swimmers, snorkelers and scuba divers from far and near come here to get “up close and personal” with our community’s beautiful natural resources.

Helping to safeguard these treasures is the Environmental Protection and Growth Management Department, Natural Resources Planning and Management Division and Development and Environmental Regulation Division. Recently, staff has been working on important projects to monitor the migration of Florida’s manatee population, and to resume the tire cleanup project off the coast of Fort Lauderdale. More...