What if homelessness wasn’t just about shelter, but about dignity, health, and second chances? That vision is becoming reality in West Palm Beach with the opening of Dignity Village, a groundbreaking supportive housing community led by Integrated Healthcare Systems, Inc. (IHCS).
Recently, IHCS and Dignity Village were featured in Stet News, highlighting how this innovative project is reshaping the way our community addresses homelessness.
Why Dignity Village Matters
Homelessness in Palm Beach County continues to challenge families, veterans, and individuals struggling with addiction, mental illness, or financial instability. Traditional shelters offer temporary relief—but too often, they lack the stability and resources needed for long-term change.
That’s where Dignity Village is different.
- Permanent supportive housing: 10 fully furnished apartments designed to be more than just a place to sleep—they’re homes.
- On-site health services: From primary care to mental health and substance use counseling.
- Case management support: Helping residents navigate food assistance, IDs, healthcare, and job training.
As Dr. Monique Brown Faust (Dr. Moe), CEO of IHCS, shared at the ribbon-cutting:
“This is one more step in our goal of 100 beds. You believe in what we do, and I’m grateful.”
A Community-First Approach
Unlike shelters, Dignity Village is permanent housing. Residents aren’t just passing through—they’re rebuilding their lives.
Advisory Board Member Jerson Dulis praised IHCS’s collaborative approach:
“We have a mutual referral system interconnecting agencies in a web of support. Those connections make IHCS a hub for services.”
This philosophy transforms housing into community. Across the street, small businesses are thriving at Styx Promenade, reinforcing the neighborhood’s renewal. Together, housing and local enterprise are reshaping West Palm Beach’s historic Northwest Neighborhood.
The Human Impact
The numbers tell one story—67 people now off the streets thanks to IHCS’s housing programs—but the personal stories are even more powerful.
- A veteran who once slept on sidewalks now has stability and support. • An individual battling addiction for decades now receives daily care and counseling. • Formerly incarcerated residents are finding their footing with independence and hope.
Board Chair Steve Kolman summed it up best:
“I’m supposed to be inspiring them, but they’re inspiring me.”
How Dignity Village Breaks Barriers
IHCS designed Dignity Village around one principle: healing takes more than a roof—it takes dignity.
Here’s what makes the program unique:
- Holistic support: Residents have access to medical, mental health, and substance use services under one roof.
- Navigation assistance: Case managers help with everything from Social Security cards to food stamps.
- Independence training: Skills for employment and daily living are built into support plans.
- Family feel: For many residents, IHCS staff and neighbors become family.
This integrated model reduces reliance on costly emergency services while creating stability. Research from the National Alliance to End Homelessness shows supportive housing saves money and lives—something IHCS is proving in Palm Beach County.
Looking Ahead: 100 Beds and Beyond
Dignity Village is a milestone, but not the finish line. Dr. Moe and the IHCS team are committed to reaching 100 beds across Palm Beach County, scaling supportive housing as a model for sustainable community change.
But this work can’t happen without support. IHCS relies on partnerships, sponsorships, and donations to expand services, furnish apartments, and provide wraparound care.
How You Can Support Dignity Village
You don’t need to be a policymaker to make a difference. Here’s how you can help:
- Donate: Financial gifts directly support housing and healthcare for residents
- Give goods: Furnishings and household items make apartments feel like home.
- Partner: Businesses and organizations can join IHCS as collaborators in outreach and support.
- Volunteer: Your time and skills bring hope and human connection. 👉
👉🏻 Learn more about permanent supportive housing or get involved.
Dignity Village isn’t just a housing project—it’s proof that with vision, compassion, and collaboration, communities can tackle homelessness in transformative ways.
We’re proud that our work was featured in Stet News, giving more people the chance to learn about this important movement.
As IHCS continues to lead with heart and strategy, one truth is clear: ending homelessness is possible when we start with dignity.