A Message from Marci
Two years ago, a veteran approached me with an idea that has stayed close to my heart, the creation of a Veterans Services Advisory Board to help veterans in our county navigate available services and to give veterans a voice in shaping those programs. Recently, I had the opportunity to attend one of their board meetings and was reminded just how critical these services are and how challenging it can be to know where to start.
With the board’s support, I asked our county staff to create a one-page crisis resource flyer that can be shared throughout the community, ensuring that veterans have quick access to essential services. We are also working on a comprehensive online landing page that will include employment opportunities, transportation options, legal assistance, community organizations, veteran events, and county agenda items that impact veterans.
This cause is personal for me. My father was a veteran, so I understand firsthand how complicated navigating these systems can be. While we continue to develop the landing page, I wanted to share a few emergency crisis resources and the largest South Florida veterans Facebook group to help veterans access immediate support. If you have information you’d like to see included on the landing page, please contact my office.
Additionally, after seeing how valuable these discussions are, I plan to include a Veterans Services section in my newsletter so that we can share resources and updates each month, helping our veterans and their families access the services they need more easily.
You must be enrolled in the VA to access a number of these resources—call 877-222-8387 for help getting started.
Emergency Hotlines:
• Veterans Crisis Hotline: Call or text 988 then press 1 or chat online at http://www.veteranscrisisline.net. No enrollment required; can remain anonymous.
• National Homeless Veterans Call Center: Call (877) 424-3838 where trained counselors are ready to talk confidentially.
Housing and Homelessness:
• Palm Beach County Human Services: Call (561) 355-4775 for assistance with emergency rent and utility payments, food vouchers, indigent cremation, and other support services.
• Stand Down House: Call (561) 968-1612 for emergency transitional housing for veterans experiencing addiction, mental health challenges, or PTSD.
• Salvation Army Center of Hope: Call (561) 682-1118 for transitional housing for eligible male veterans.
Emergency Support Services:
• Wounded Veterans Relief Fund: Call (561) 855-4207 for help with emergency financial needs and critical dental care.
Emergency Counseling/Mental Health:
• Palm Beach Vet Center (561) 422-1201 and Jupiter Vet Center (561) 422-1220: Call for counseling services for depression, PTSD, and other related mental health concerns.
Community Facebook Group:
• Veterans of South Florida: A community for veterans to support one another by accessing resources, sharing events, submitting requests, and posting veteran-related information.
For any veteran-related questions, call our Community Services Hotline at 833-CSD-WILL.
Thank you for allowing me to serve those who have served us. Your input is always welcome. Together, we can ensure that every veteran in our community has the support they deserve.
Homebuyer Match Pilot Program
I am thrilled to see the Homebuyer Match Pilot Program come to fruition, a program I initiated to help more residents in Palm Beach County achieve the dream of homeownership.
This innovative program provides a dollar-for-dollar match of up to $50,000 toward the purchase of an eligible for-sale home, making it easier for hardworking families to put down roots in our county.
The pre-application portal will open on March 30, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. and will close on April 20, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. A total of 30 applicants will be selected from the submitted pre-applications.
Informational orientations for interested parties are tentatively scheduled for:
• March 3 at 2:00 p.m.
• March 12 at 7:30 a.m.
• March 17 at 4:00 p.m.
• March 24 at 10:00 a.m.
Let’s Talk Property Taxes
I am embarking on a Property Taxes “Tour” throughout District 4, meeting directly with local HOA communities to discuss property taxes and the county budget. As this topic continues to be widely discussed at the state level, I believe it is important to engage directly with residents here in Palm Beach County.
I will provide a brief, 30-minute presentation that includes clear, hard numbers on our budget, potential reductions, and the services property taxes support.
We will also include an interactive poll to gather real-time feedback and better understand your perspectives.
If you would like me to visit your community, please have your HOA president or designated representative contact my office to schedule a date. I look forward to the conversation.
Nonprofit Spotlight
Barky Pines Animal Rescue & Sanctuary is a local nonprofit dedicated to rescuing homeless, unwanted, senior, and special needs pets in Palm Beach County, giving them a second chance at loving forever homes.
Founded in 2015, Barky Pines operates with a devoted team and volunteers who care for animals that might otherwise be euthanized, providing rehabilitation in a loving, home-like environment. They also focus on matching pets with seniors, veterans, and individuals in rehabilitation programs to foster meaningful human-animal connections.
Beyond adoptions, Barky Pines runs a low-cost veterinary clinic offering spay/neuter services and affordable care, helping pets stay healthy while reducing overpopulation.
As many of you know, I have adopted two wonderful dogs from Barky Pines, Fritz and Toby, and they have truly completed our family.
Recently, we bundled up and headed out to their 7th Annual Puppy Love 5K to cheer on participants and show our support for this incredible organization. A heartfelt thank you goes to Elizabeth Accomando for the invitation and most importantly, for bringing Fritz and Toby into our lives!
For more information, visit https://barkypinesanimalrescue.com/. If you require assistance, please contact our office at 561-355-2204 or email [email protected]
