In the Pines is building a better life for low-income families through safe, affordable housing and lifechanging services in Palm Beach County.
This nonprofit, founded in 1978, provides long-term affordable housing for farm workers and hardworking families who may not be able to pay today’s high market-rate rents.
While living at In the Pines, families receive many free onsite services to enable them to save money for their own home and improve their financial situations such as financial literacy classes, computer training and G.E.D. classes. Each week, exercise and nutrition classes are offered to the parents, children and teens to promote healthy lifestyles.
For the children and teens who reside with their parents, they receive after-school tutoring and help with their homework assignments, plus college prep courses and assistance with scholarship and college applications.
Back in 2009, GL Homes built 20 apartment units for the In the Pines North campus in Boynton Beach and built another 10 units in 2012.
In 2013, through a public/private partnership with Palm Beach County, In the Pines and GL Homes refurbished the one and two-story townhouses in a $5.4 million project.
In the Pines was awarded the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Platinum certification, the highest rating given by the U.S. Green Building Council.
The designation recognizes In the Pines’ use of energy-efficient plumbing and air conditioning systems, impact-resistant windows and doors, Energy Star appliances and carpeting and paint considered environmentally friendly.
Having a “green” community with energy-efficient appliances and other features available for low-income families benefits residents who need it the most because their utility payments are lower.
In the Pines serves an example for others to create environmentally friendly neighborhoods for those who otherwise could not afford it.