Camillus House News Archive

July 15, 2010
Hard Economic Times Spell Hunger for Local Families
Escalating food prices mean a growing number of families here are going hungry. Prices for staples including milk, bread, cheese, rice, pasta and beans have all increased by... Read...

July 15, 2010
Aid, Compassion from Camillus House Lifts Struggling Mom
In these difficult economic times, South Floridians who are going hungry and homeless wear many faces. More and more who don’t fit the homeless stereotype are suddenly finding... Read...

July 15, 2010
Local Charities Stretch to Serve Poor
The latest U.S. Census report indicates that Miami has one of the highest levels of poverty in the nation among major cities. The report shows that 28% – or more than 1 in 4... Read...

July 15, 2010
Students Prep for FCATs Through Camillus Tutoring Program
As public school students across Florida geared up for the state’s standardized tests, Camillus House offered additional tutoring to students living at its Mother Seton Village,... Read...

July 15, 2010
Camillus House Marks it 50th Anniversary on August 20, 2010
For 50 years, the Brothers of the Good Shepherd and dedicated staff and volunteers have carried out the pledge of charity unlimited first given in 1960 by our founder, Brother... Read...

September 24, 2009
Camillus House selects Coastal Construction as general contractor for new campus
The Board of Directors of Camillus House has approved the selection of Coastal Construction as the general contractor for Phase 1 of its New Camillus House Center, as well as for... Read...

June 17, 2009
Wachovia foundation presented grant to Camillus House during June 3 ceremony
The Wachovia Foundation presented Camillus House with a $50,000 grant in support of its mission to end chronic homelessness in Greater Miami during a ceremony held on June 3 at... Read...

May 20, 2009
After fire, Richard’s life turns out better than ever
While Richard was enjoying a hot dog and peanuts and watching the Florida Marlins winning that day’s baseball contest, he had no idea he was losing all of his earthly possessions... Read...

March 31, 2009
Mary Etta - By the grace of God
Mary Etta has a passion for life that lights up her face when she speaks. It’s as contagious as her hearty laugh, which easily becomes part of the conversation as she talks candidly... Read...

March 30, 2009
Ending Chronic Homelessness, One Person at a Time
Marvin chats easily through an interpreter, smiling and laughing as he candidly answers questions and talks about his recent visit with his children and grandchildren, a visit... Read...

March 30, 2009
Alone, Sinking... But Determined to Make it

Driven single mother finds a place to call home

Having a large extended family is commonplace for most Hispanics. Weekends spent together at gatherings, weekdays sharing... Read...

March 30, 2009
Italian winemaker reaching across the sea to help end chronic homelessness in Miami
Fantinel, a world-class Italian wine company, kicked off an international charitable campaign to benefit Camillus House and its mission to end chronic homelessness in Greater Miami... Read...

March 06, 2009
Camillus House and the Young Presidents Organization welcomed Liz Murray: the homeless to harvard true story
Camillus House and the Miami and Americas' Gateway Chapters of the Young Presidents Organization (YPO), welcomed Liz Murray on a special Homeless Awareness event this past February... Read...

March 06, 2009
PANKEY DENTAL ACCESS DAYS” AT CAMILLUS HOUSE PROVIDES FREE DENTAL CARE FOR HUNDREDS OF PERSONS WHO ARE POOR AND HOMELESS
The Pankey Institute for Advanced Dental Education and Camillus House Health Concern (CHC) provided free dental care to more than 150 individuals who are homeless during a two-day... Read...

March 06, 2009
Camillus House and Soles4Souls join forces to distribute 10,000 pairs of new shoes to individuals who are homeless in Miami
Camillus House and Soles4Souls joined forces this past February to distribute 1,000 pairs of new shoes to individuals who are homeless in Miami and served by Camillus House. This... Read...

March 05, 2009
A gift of fun and relaxation
A native Floridian offers stress-free break to Camillus clients. Stress and tragedy have touched her life. Addiction hit someone very dear to her heart and the journey to recovery... Read...

December 22, 2008
Camillus House receives $500,000 gift from FPL Foundation

“FPL Day at Camillus House” features holiday presents to 300 homeless persons

Camillus House today celebrated the season of giving with community leaders accepting... Read...

December 10, 2008
Camillus House serves Thanksgiving feast attracting larger gathering of poor and homeless persons
View additional photos... Camillus House staff and scores of volunteers... Read...

November 13, 2008
Volunteering is alive, hip... and a click away
MIAMI – The line inside the Courtyard starts in the early hours of the afternoon. There are benches and cover from the sun and rain for the men and women who are homeless and hungry... Read...

October 31, 2008
The Nightmare (and the Blessing) After Christmas
HOMESTEAD – Joanne Tavares’ face is blank, she can’t find words to describe her family’s circumstances. Her husband, José, glances at her and then speaks softly to a visitor, “Here’s... Read...

October 24, 2008
NEW CAMILLUS HOUSE CENTER IS A REALITY THANKS TO MANY
A flawless rendition of “Lean on Me” sung in sweet harmony by the men and women of the Courtyard Choir provided a pitch perfect soundtrack for a celebration 24 years in the making.... Read...

July 28, 2008
Perspectives from the Brothers of the Good Shepherd
Ever since 1960, when Brother Mathias Barrett founded Camillus House to help individuals who were fleeing Cuba in hope of a better future, the Brothers of the Good Shepherd have... Read...

July 25, 2008
Q&A Profile: Dr. Ross Collazo of Camillus Health Concern
Director of Health Services at Camillus Health Concern (CHC) Dr. Ross Collazo answers some probing questions about his near 15-year career at the medical clinic and the clinic’s... Read...

July 17, 2008
Emmaus Place to provide a safety net for former foster children
Camillus House has begun to renovate a home for seven young men ages 18 to 23 who have “aged out” of the state foster care system but who have not yet developed the skills they... Read...

July 09, 2008
Camillus’ Courtyard Program keeps homeless off the night streets
An artist and former prisoner who’s “too old to go back to prison now. “ A mother separated from her daughters through foster care. A young man with a disabled arm who’s excitedly... Read...

June 13, 2008
Camillus looks forward to new center after completing land-exchange agreement
Camillus House has completed a complex land-swap arrangement that will clear the way for development of its new 3.1-acre campus on Northwest Seventh Avenue between 15th and 17th... Read...

May 30, 2008
Work begins on Labre Place, a 90-Unit Apartment building to house and help the homeless
For 90 men and women in Miami-Dade, the dream of having an affordable apartment to call home began last week, as champions of their cause dug their shovels deep into the dirt at... Read...

May 23, 2008
BOB DICKINSON IS HONORED AT LEAVE A LEGACY DONOR NEXT DOOR LUNCHEON
Bob Dickinson, chairman of the Camillus House board of directors, was honored on May 15th as the charity’s Donor Next Door at the 11th Annual LEAVE A LEGACY Donor Next Door Luncheon... Read...

May 23, 2008
The 13th annual Miami Wine and Food Festival raises money to improve lives in South Florida
View additional photos... Benefiting Camillus House and United Way... Read...

May 15, 2008
Helping even more homeless people
Miami has made significant strides toward becoming the first major city in America to solve the problem of homelessness. The pioneering efforts of Alvah Chapman are being brought... Read...

May 09, 2008
CAMILLUS’ CEO HONORED WITH COMMUNITY HEALTHCARE AWARD - PAUL R. AHR, PH.D, NAMED 2008 HEALTH CARE HERO
Recognized for the “extraordinary impact” he has made in South Florida’s health care community, Camillus House President and CEO Paul R. Ahr, Ph. D., has been selected as one of... Read...

April 24, 2008
‘Miracle’ baby, mother find help, new hope at Somerville Residence
Most people are lucky if they experience one miracle in a lifetime. But so far in her relatively young life, Shaneka, 25, has been blessed with two. At the moment, one of... Read...

April 24, 2008
Willie Mae finds her saving grace at Somerville
Willie Mae offers her guests a contented smile. “I’m doing pretty good. I can’t complain,” she says. She instructs her son Thomas, 10, to turn off the TV, then gives him a cuddle.... Read...

April 24, 2008
Camillus answers family’s prayers for a better life.
When a person lives paycheck to paycheck, disaster can lurk dangerously close by. Just ask Kathy, a mother of three who lives at Camillus’s Brother Mathias Place supported housing... Read...

April 24, 2008
Linda and family find peace of mind at Brother Mathias Place
“Thank God everything is well. We’re not struggling anymore.” Linda Collazo sits surrounded by her husband and three of her five children in her apartment. She remembers what... Read...

April 24, 2008
Florida Marlins players help Camillus House by serving food to individuals who are homeless
Three Florida Marlins players “stepped up to the plate” on Friday, April 18, 2008, by serving a hot nutritious meal to individuals at Camillus House. Starting pitcher Burke... Read...

April 24, 2008
CAMILLUS HOUSE RECOGNIZES CHRISTIENNE SHEROUSE FOR OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEERISM
For attorney Christienne Sherouse, the road to professional success runs parallel with the path of community service. In recognition of her exceptional dedication and community... Read...

April 24, 2008
TRAVEL AGENTS RAISE MONEY TO HELP CAMILLUS HOUSE
Travel agents from around the nation gathered to honor recently retired Carnival Cruise Lines President Bob Dickinson and raise funds to combat chronic homelessness in South Florida... Read...

April 24, 2008
Camillus House honors its dedicated volunteers
April is national volunteer recognition month and this April Camillus House took the opportunity to thank some of our longest serving and most dedicated volunteers. Camillus House... Read...

February 22, 2008
Camillus House Changes Life for Mom, Toddler
Many local families are still struggling to survive below the poverty line Individuals who are hungry and homeless in South Florida are not necessarily who... Read...

February 22, 2008
Local Advocates for Poor Stretch to Meet Rising Needs in Miami
A U.S. Census report indicates that Miami now has the fifth highest level of poverty in the nation among major cities. The report, released late last year, shows that 26.9% – or... Read...

December 21, 2007
SKAL MIAMI INTERNATIONAL DONATES CASH, FLAT SCREEN TV TO CAMILLUS HOUSE
SKAL Miami International, the international travel and tourism organization, presented Camillus House with more than $1200 and a 42" flat screen TV for the holidays, announced... Read...

December 13, 2007
Institute for Homeless Studies spurs collaboration to eliminate chronic homelessness.
More than 50 representatives of South Florida homeless providers gathered on November 5, 2007 to forge collaborations in the struggle to end chronic homelessness. While many of... Read...

December 12, 2007
On Holidays & Every Day
The passing of Thanksgiving and the upcoming Christmas and New Year’s seasons always reminds me of the crucial role that Camillus House plays in providing nutritious food and refreshing... Read...

December 11, 2007
Camillus House to serve Thanksgiving feast to the homeless and give thanks for $1 million gift from Ocean Bank
Camillus House staff and scores of volunteers marked Thanksgiving with a traditional holiday dinner for hundreds of persons who are homeless and poor. They also gave thanks to... Read...

September 27, 2007
Keeping it Cool at Camillus House
Life on the street is especially difficult in Miami during the summers. For months the thermometer rarely dips below 90 degrees as the blazing sun fuels the sweltering summer heat.... Read...

July 11, 2007
Supportive housing helps Haitian immigrant family
Simone Phicien’s gentle, warm, and soothing presence denotes a dedicated caregiver with large reserves of love and compassion. A certified nursing assistant who arrived from... Read...

July 11, 2007
Miami dentist enjoys giving Camillus clients something to smile about
For most people, a trip to the dentist normally inspires fear, dread, or at least feels like drudgery. But Camillus clients who visit Dr. Anthony Molina look forward to an... Read...

June 11, 2007
Camillus House Honors its Long-Time Benefactors
Overlooking a beautiful South Florida sunset at the Miami Beach home of Dr. Sanford and Dolores Ziff, 21 of Camillus House’s most loyal supporters were honored by the charity as... Read...

April 30, 2007
Camillus’ Job Opportunity Bureau makes a difference one life at a time.
Shawn Jones fully admits that when it came to life, “I wanted to do it my way.” Now 40, Shawn went through a series of ups and downs that few could imagine: At the age of 25,... Read...

April 19, 2007
Camillus’s JOB Program gives strength and support to turn lives around
In October 2005, while the rest of South Florida was getting their houses ready for Hurricane Wilma, Thomas Runner was desperately seeking a place he could call home. Thomas... Read...

April 03, 2007
Running for a Good Cause!
This past March, Camillus House employees joined thousands of runners, along with some of Miami’s biggest celebrities and trendsetters, who converged on the magnificent skyline... Read...

March 29, 2007
Camillus House Receives $1 Million Grant from Bank of America

Funds represent first corporate gift to the “Open the Door to Hope” capital campaign

At a recent event at Camillus House, Andrew Plepler, president of the... Read...

March 28, 2007
A Single Mother Finds the Way Forward
Diana Herrera looks like the dozens of porcelain collectible dolls and Barbies that adorn her spacious living room. With long flowing blonde hair, silky fair skin, svelte figure... Read...

March 16, 2007
Happy Birthday, Brother Mathias.
Have you ever been to a birthday party where the gifts are for the guests? That is the way I feel each year on March 15th. This day is the birthday of Brother Mathias Barrett,... Read...

March 12, 2007
Camillus House Receives $1 Million Grant from Bank of America Funds represent first corporate gift at “Open the Door to Hope” capital campaign kick-o
MIAMI—Andrew Plepler, president of the Bank of America Charitable Foundation, today presented a $1 million donation from the Bank of America Charitable Foundation to Camillus House.... Read...

January 29, 2007
Camillus Health Concern: Meeting needs on Miami’s mean streets
Most Miami drivers go out of their way to avoid the confusing tangle of streets, urban decay and often intimidating-looking population of the inner city. Not Camillus Health... Read...

January 29, 2007
Looking at the Past Sparks Hope for the Future Among Many Camillus House Clients
Tales of the infamous pirate Black Caesar, who marauded the shallow waters of Biscayne Bay in the late 1600s, are captivating the mostly African American audience this Tuesday... Read...

October 30, 2006
Former Boxing Promoter Finds Hope at Camillus House
It could well be everyone’s worst fear: to be sick and aging and all alone in the world. Thing is James McCann didn’t know just how alone he was until he lost consciousness one... Read...

October 30, 2006
A Teacher’s Story of Overcoming Homelessness
Quentin Davis teaches high school history, government and economics. He has a master’s degree and went to law school. Yet even a man with his academic credentials can risk his... Read...

September 22, 2006
An Open Letter to the Greater Miami Community
This past Tuesday, the Florida Cabinet approved a land swap involving the State of Florida, the University of Miami (U.M.) and Camillus House that paves the way for Camillus House... Read...

September 07, 2006
John Clare, Mariah Carey and Martin Luther King, III
I have long been touched by the poetry of the Englishman John Clare (1793-1864). The self-taught son of a farm laborer, Clare became a poet of some distinction, before being hospitalized... Read...

July 28, 2006
Miami city commission approves Camillus House's special exception - clearing final hurdle toward new facility
Today the Miami City Commission made good on a long-standing promise to permit Camillus House to relocate to an expanded 340-bed overnight shelter, treatment and job training facility.... Read...

July 26, 2006
Generous Lunch Invitation Helps Feed 200 at Camillus House!
When Camillus House recently shut down its downtown Miami shelter for renovations it did not mean that the people normally nourished at the facility would simply turn off their... Read...

June 07, 2006
Generous gift from Local Family helps Camillus House on the Road to Ending Chronic Homelessness
Every day Camillus House is witness to the generosity of the Miami community. The compassion of our neighbors manifests itself in the donations of food, clothing, funds, and other... Read...

May 24, 2006
Troubled Family Finds Hope
Through severe hardships, Marta Lopez never gave up. HOMESTEAD — Sitting in the spotless living room of Marta Lopez, a visitor can hear frequent cries of “Mama, Mama” coming... Read...

April 19, 2006
Camillus House and Miami Wholesale Produce Businesses- A Winning Combination
Andrew (Andy) Garcia III says he often gets strange looks when has asks for doggie bags at some restaurants or when he asks the caterers at an event what they are planning to do... Read...

February 15, 2006
Camillus Health Concern Receives $100,000 Sapphire Award from The Blue Foundation for a Healthy Florida, Inc.
Camillus Health Concern (CHC) has been named the recipient of the Sapphire Award, a $100,000 award from The Blue Foundation for a Healthy Florida, Inc., the philanthropic affiliate... Read...

January 14, 2006
One time Opponent supports New Camillus shelter in his Neighborhood
It doesn’t look like much now, just a fenced off patch of land in the shadow of Interstate 95. But this lot near the corner of NW 17th street and 7th avenue in Miami will soon... Read...

January 13, 2006
Little Brothers of the Good Shepard Honored as Camillus House helps remember the homeless who passed away in 2005
Staff, clients and friends of Camillus House joined other homeless advocacy groups recently in the lobby Stephen P. Clark Government Center in downtown Miami to mark National Homeless... Read...

January 13, 2006
Camillus House hosts over 500 people for Holiday Celebration! Brings joy to the poor and homeless of Miami
View more photos... Over 500 people gathered to celebrate the holidays at the Camillus House shelter on 1st avenue in Downtown... Read...

December 19, 2005
Camillus House Brings Christmas Cheer To The Poor And Homeless
Each Christmas, Christians around the world celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, who spent his entire life struggling to make the world a better place for all of humankind.... Read...

December 19, 2005
Hyatt Volunteers Help Give Camillus House Shelter A Face-lift
The well-worn rooms and hallways of the Camillus House Beckham Hall shelter in Allapattah received a much-needed make over recently thanks to the time, money and effort of the... Read...

December 08, 2005
South Florida Youth Supports Camillus House with Holiday Cheer
MIAMI (December 6, 2005) --- Now in its 5th year Holiday Charity, an organization founded for the purpose of providing holiday cheer to formerly homeless families living at Camillus... Read...

November 30, 2005
Camillus Health Concerns Receives Five Thousand Dollar Grant
To aid in ongoing efforts to provide quality health care to homeless and low-income families and individuals in Miami-Dade County, Camillus Health Concern has received a 5 thousand... Read...

November 17, 2005
Camillus House Celebrates Thanksgiving With Poor and Homeless

As we near Thanksgiving Day, we give thanks to God for his many blessings upon our community and for continuing to bless Camillus House with good and caring people like you.... Read...

August 08, 2005
Health Centers: A Record of Success
When President Lyndon B. Johnson declared his now famous "War on Poverty" forty years ago, few realized then that rhetoric would create a powerful weapon for social change. What... Read...

June 29, 2005
Camillus Health Concern Receives Life Saving Device
Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death in America. Immediate response to sudden cardiac arrest (SCE) with early defibrillation is critical and can be the most... Read...

June 27, 2005
Take Me Out To The Ball Game
Have you ever seen a kid’s face the first time you take him or her to a major league baseball game? It’s priceless. The American past time is a great experience for any youngster,... Read...

June 27, 2005
Camillus Health Concern Receives Grant
Camillus Health Concern, which provides primary health care to homeless and low-income individuals and families in Miami-Dade County was awarded a grant in the amount of $149,943... Read...

June 27, 2005
Food And Supplies Are Sent To Help Haitian Orphans
This past May, volunteers at the Camillus House warehouse loaded a 40-foot container with clothing, food and supplies bound for the Sheepfold of the Good Shepherd, a children’s... Read...

June 22, 2005
Camillus House 'Opens Doors' For The Homeless
Beginning its 45th year, agency now offers a wide array of services to help people break the cycle of homelessness. The calendar and thermometer say spring, but Kathy Garcia... Read...

February 04, 2005
New Permanent Housing Facility For Homeless Individuals
On Wednesday, February 16th Camillus House and Miami Supportive Housing hosted the Grand Opening and Dedication of the Brownsville Christian Housing Center (BCHC) – a new home... Read...

February 03, 2005
Help Us Today To Improve The Lives Of Haitian Orphans
There is nothing more heartbreaking than to see a child grow up without his or her parents. Sadly, for too many Haitian children this is a fact of life. In a country ravished... Read...

February 03, 2005
School-Based Health Clinic Receives Much-Needed Help
At a recent ceremony at Frederick Douglass Elementary School, children and teachers alike gathered in the school’s library to hear the good news: the school’s clinic would remain... Read...

December 13, 2004
Thanksgiving Day 2004 At Camillus House
Of all the profound gestures of the human heart, thanksgiving is the most shared and the most fundamental. The act of giving thanks creates a special connection with others that... Read...

December 09, 2004
The Newsmaker
Text as it appeared in Miami Today, Thursday, October 28, 2004. New Camillus House President Dr. Paul R. Ahr says he is on a mission to end chronic homelessness in Miami. Read...

September 20, 2004
Joining Hands To Make A Difference
Getting your hands dirty isn’t always a bad thing. Especially when you do it in service to others. This was the case at Camillus a while back when over 60 youth and adult volunteers... Read...

September 20, 2004
A Mother’s Eternal Love
By Claudia X. Robayo “I wake up each morning, look around me…and I still can’t believe it…” Overjoyed, Nubia Caballero describes her happiness at finding a safe home at Camillus... Read...

September 20, 2004
A Family Safari
Early on a beautiful, Saturday morning in July, an enthusiastic group of adventurers set out on an unforgettable journey of discovery and exploration. Armed with bagged lunches... Read...

September 07, 2004
Run For Shelter
On November 7th 2004, Christine Arnholt will be representing Carnival Cruise Lines and running in the New York City Marathon to raise money for Camillus House in Miami. ... Read...

September 01, 2004
Camillus House Is On The Move
The recent appointment of Dr. Paul R. Ahr as President of Camillus House, Inc. brings to a close the transition to new management at Camillus House, which began last April.  Although... Read...

August 17, 2004
City Furniture And Dixie Bedding Provide Help For The Homeless
On Wednesday, August 11, City Furniture, a long time supporter of Camillus House, delivered a truckload of new, donated furniture to Camillus House for its new permanent housing... Read...

July 26, 2004
Florida Senate Recognizes Camillus House
On Friday, July 16, 2004 State Senator Larcenia J. Bullard presented Camillus House with a resolution of support from the Florida Senate. The resolution commends Camillus House... Read...

July 15, 2004
Camillus House Is Tackling Issues Related To Homelessness
H.L. Mencken, the renowned newspaperman reminded us that complex problems warrant complex solutions. One persistent, pervasive and complex problem affecting cities across America... Read...

July 15, 2004
Everyone Is A Philanthropist
Camillus House participates in the “Leave a Legacy” program, which operates with the belief that anyone can be a philanthropist. However, less than 5% of all the wills submitted... Read...

June 28, 2004
Dinner On The Diamond Raises $14,000 For Camillus House
The Florida Marlins Community Foundation and the Florida Marlins Wives raised a record $42,000 at the Eight Annual Dinner on the Diamond on Sunday, May 30th, 2004. The event was... Read...

June 15, 2004
Health Concern Receives Grant To Help Homeless With Diabetes
Camillus Health Concern (CHC), which provides primary health care to homeless and low-income individuals and families of Miami-Dade County was awarded a grant in the amount of... Read...

April 01, 2003
Mallah, Furman & Company CPAs Help the Homeless
During the accounting industry's busiest time of the year, CPAs from Mallah, Furman and Company, with offices in Miami and Fort Lauderdale, reflected on the needs of the community... Read...

March 03, 2003
Making Life Better For Haitian Children
By Sam Gil More than ten years ago Brother Luc Jolicoeur, a 16-year member of the Brothers of the Shepherd, was asked to head up a mission in Haiti to assist homeless children... Read...

February 01, 2003
Behavioral Health Program Opens Its Doors
By Beth Ann O'Neill On February 3, 2003, Camillus House Behavioral Health Program officially opened its doors, and with an outpouring of response. The Behavioral Health Program... Read...