By Jonathan Martinez - Florida Catholic
Photographer: JONATHAN MARTINEZ | FC
Members of the Little Brothers of the Good Shepherd, who staff Camillus House, hold their candles during the vigil that followed the Mass at Gesu Church Jan. 19.
MIAMI � Supporters and friends of Camillus House gathered Jan. 19 at Gesu Church in downtown Miami to celebrate a milestone: the homeless shelter�s golden jubilee.
Founded half a century ago by Brother Mathias Barrett, who had founded the Little Brothers of the Good Shepherd just nine years earlier, Camillus House at first helped meet the needs of Cuban exiles when they first arrived in Miami. It has evolved through the years to a place that strives to end chronic homelessness in south Florida.
Named after St. Camillus de Lellis � an Italian monk who devoted his life to the care of the sick and poor � Camillus House continues that work in south Florida by serving 10,000 people a year.
With over 300 volunteers and staff, Camillus House distributes more than 500,000 free meals and provides shelter to 1,000 people annually. Medical care is provided to over 26,000 yearly and job training and placement to countless others. Camillus House also offers clinical treatment for persons with addiction and mental health issues.
�Camillus House is the largest service provider for the homeless in Miami-Dade County,� said Bob Dickinson, chairman of the board of directors. �We are giving people a second chance. We are giving them their lives back.�
The jubilee celebration began with a Mass at Gesu Church celebrated by Archbishop John C. Favalora.
�At Camillus House, we are doing the Lord�s will,� the archbishop said as he addressed a crowd made up of community members, priests and current and former clients of the shelter. �The work that they do here is extraordinary� We give thanks to the Lord today for the wonderful work done here.�
After the Mass, the celebration continued with a reception highlighted by a performance by the Mount Tabor Baptist Church Men�s Chorus. Afterward, volunteers, staff, current and former clients, priests, representatives of the community and members of the Little Brothers of the Good Shepherd reflected on the work of Camillus House and the thousands of people it has helped since 1960.
�When I was down and out they took me in, guided me in the right direction,� said Sebastian Oliver, a former client and now volunteer who has been attending the center for over 40 years.
Photographer: JONATHAN MARTINEZ | FC
Alex Velez, who has been attending Camillus House for the past four months, said he is grateful for the help they have provided him. �I was homeless, I came here desperate and they fed me, clothed me and gave me a place to stay. I owe my life to Camillus House.�
Those in attendance also took part in a candlelight ceremony. Addressing the clients and volunteers, Paul R. Ahr, president and chief executive officer, thanked them for all their hard work.
�May your glow warm us for as long as the poor are with us,� Ahr said.
Camillus House is looking to expand in order to address the growing needs of the community. Administrators are planning to build a new center at 1603 N.W. Seventh Ave., in Miami. It will be the first �green� facility for persons who are homeless in the state of Florida, and provide bilingual services to 4,500 individuals. Comprised of seven buildings, the center will bring 340 new beds for emergency, transitional and permanent housing and provide a myriad of services.
In order to make those plans a reality, however, Camillus House needs the assistance of the community.
�The best way to help Camillus House is financially through contributions, with food and clothes donations, and with your prayers which are always amazingly helpful,� said Dickinson.
He also spoke about why it is important for Catholics and the public in general to help those most in need. �To whom much is given much is expected. We are all God�s children and we have the moral obligation to help those in need.�
Photographer: JONATHAN MARTINEZ | FC
Sebastian Oliver, a former client and now volunteer, enjoys the reception that followed Camillus House's 50th anniversary Mass Jan. 19. �When I was down and out they took me in, guided me in the right direction," he said.
Photographer: JONATHAN MARTINEZ | FC
Paul R. Ahr, president and chief executive officer of Camillus House, holds up a candle and praises the work of the shelter's staff, volunteers and supporters. �May your glow warm us for as long as the poor are with us,� he said.
