Boca Raton Nonprofit Celebrates 45 Years of Helping the Homeless

The Lord's Place provides housing, job training, and other services to those in need in Palm Beach County.

Feb. 25, 2026 at 3:51pm

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The Lord's Place, a non-sectarian agency in Palm Beach County, Florida, is celebrating 45 years of working to break the cycle of homelessness through innovative and compassionate services. The organization provides housing, job training, clinical support, and other programs to help men, women, and children regain stability and dignity.

Why it matters

Homelessness remains a persistent issue in many communities, and organizations like The Lord's Place play a crucial role in addressing the complex needs of those experiencing housing insecurity. As federal funding remains uncertain, the work of local nonprofits is more important than ever in strengthening the social fabric and supporting the most vulnerable members of the community.

The details

The Lord's Place operates the Fortin Family Campus in West Palm Beach, which provides job training, clinical services, community engagement programs, and a reentry initiative to help those transitioning from incarceration. The organization also owns or rents 15 supportive and graduate housing locations, as well as 85 scattered site apartments, to provide stable housing for about 300 individuals each night.

  • The Lord's Place was founded more than 45 years ago, in the 1970s.
  • The organization is celebrating its 45th anniversary in 2026.

The players

The Lord's Place

A non-sectarian agency in Palm Beach County, Florida, that works to break the cycle of homelessness through innovative and compassionate services.

Cornie Thornburgh

A volunteer with The Lord's Place who shares her personal experience with homelessness in her community and the importance of supporting those in need.

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What they’re saying

“We are restoring dignity, rebuilding lives, and strengthening the social fabric of our community. And perhaps Herbie—remembered not as a cautionary tale, but as inspiration—can finally be our mascot for breaking the cycle of homelessness.”

— Cornie Thornburgh, Volunteer (The Boca Raton Tribune)

What’s next

The Lord's Place plans to continue expanding its housing and support services to reach more individuals and families in need throughout Palm Beach County.

The takeaway

Organizations like The Lord's Place demonstrate the power of community-based efforts to address homelessness and support the most vulnerable members of society. By providing comprehensive services and restoring dignity, these nonprofits play a vital role in strengthening local communities.