Ty Barnes, Congresswoman Lois Frankel, Palm Beach County Commissioner Joel Flores
On May 6, 2026, 211 Palm Beach and Treasure Coast broke ground on its future 12,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art, hurricane-rated facility during a special ceremony attended by community leaders, partners, donors, supporters, and federal, state, and local dignitaries. The milestone marks a major investment in ensuring access to life-saving crisis intervention, mental health support, housing assistance, and other essential services for residents across Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast.
The campus, expected to be completed within 12 to 14 months, is designed to significantly increase 211’s ability to respond to growing community needs, including crisis intervention, mental health support, housing assistance, and food access. The new facility will feature enhanced technology to improve call capacity, and additional space for program growth—allowing the organization to provide faster, more efficient support to individuals and families in crisis.
As the region’s frontline responder for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, 211 Palm Beach and Treasure Coast continues to serve as a critical connection point for thousands of residents seeking help every year. The new campus reflects the organization’s long-term commitment to innovation, resilience, and accessibility while responding to the evolving needs of the community.
During the ceremony, 211 officials also announced several meaningful tributes that will be incorporated into the new facility to honor the leaders and changemakers who have shaped the organization’s legacy and future.
The lobby of the new building will be named after Ken Kettner, the current board chair, in recognition of his unwavering commitment to the organization and the professional expertise he has generously contributed to taking the project from conception to completion. In addition, the executive board room will be named after Sharon L’Herrou, former CEO and president of 211, whose visionary leadership and tireless efforts spearheaded the capital campaign that made the new facility possible.
A commemorative installation in the new building will also honor founder Dr. Robert K. Alsofrom, whose vision more than 50 years ago laid the foundation for what would become one of the region’s leading behavioral and mental health organizations. In 1971, Dr. Alsofrom established the original crisis hotline that evolved into today’s 211 Palm Beach and Treasure Coast, creating a compassionate, reliable resource for individuals and families facing crisis, mental health challenges, and emergencies.
“This groundbreaking represents far more than the start of construction—it represents hope, resilience, and our community’s commitment to ensuring that no one faces crisis alone,” said Ty Barnes, CEO and president of 211 Palm Beach and Treasure Coast. “This future facility will strengthen our ability to respond when people need help most while expanding our impact and ensuring our community has access to compassionate, life-saving support for generations to come.”
The ceremony featured remarks from community leaders, including Congresswoman Lois Frankel, who secured $1 million in federal funding for the project, and Palm Beach County Commissioner Joel Flores. Guests also participated in a ceremonial groundbreaking at the site and viewed renderings of the new campus. Throughout the event, 211 Palm Beach and Treasure Coast recognized the generosity and partnership of donors, supporters, and community advocates whose investment and commitment helped make the transformative project possible.
To learn more, visit 211 Palm Beach or 211 Treasure Coast.
Trent Swift, Lee Williams, Ruben Rodriquez
Photos by MasterWing Creative Agency
