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Press Releases
For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Sam Gil
Camillus House
305-374-1065 ext. 328 (office)
samgil@camillus.org • www.camillus.org
CAMILLUS HOUSE RECEIVES $2 MILLION GIFT FROM KNIGHT FOUNDATION
MIAMI, October 22, 2008 – Camillus House’s $88 million “Open the Door to Hope” Capital Campaign has received a major boost with the donation of $2 million by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. This gift was presented during today’s groundbreaking ceremony for Camillus’ new center at 1603 Northwest Seventh Avenue (between 15th and 17th streets).
In recognition of this contribution, Camillus House will commemorate the Knight Foundation’s generosity with the naming of John S. and James L. Knight Executive Office Building. This three-story facility will serve as the centerpiece of the agency’s new 3.1-acre center, and will include a 100-seat auditorium, fitness center, boardroom and executive offices.
“We are tremendously grateful for this gift,” said Camillus House President and CEO Dr. Paul R. Ahr. “The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation exemplifies the strength and philanthropic spirit that exists in our community. Thanks to the support of our benefactors, we are able to sustain programs that reach more than 10,000 persons annually. We are excited to be one step closer to ending chronic homelessness in Greater Miami, and are honored to have the Knight Foundation join us in this effort.”
In addition to the Knight Foundation Executive Building, the new facility will include a total of 340 beds for individuals who are chronically homeless. The center will provide a wide range of social services and clinical treatment programs. The facility will increase emergency, transitional and permanent supported housing, and facilitate residential treatment and emergency housing for women and Spanish-speaking individuals. The new center also will include a kennel for individuals with pets.
Camillus House has provided humanitarian services to persons who are poor and homeless in Miami-Dade County for 48 years. Established by the Little Brothers of the Good Shepherd in 1960, Camillus House has grown steadily over the years from a small overnight shelter into a full-service center for persons who are poor and homeless.
