For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Sam Gil
Camillus House
305-374-1065 ext. 328 (office)
samgil@camillus.org • www.camillus.org
Camillus House land swap approved by the Florida cabinet – paving the way for the relocation of Camillus House
MIAMI (September 19, 2006) --- Today 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 to relocate its current operations in downtown Miami. The new site, located on NW 7th Avenue between NW 15th and 17th Streets, will provide Camillus House the space needed to expand its services to the greater Miami community, greatly helping the organization achieve it’s mission and the community’s need to end chronic homelessness in Miami.
On behalf of the Brothers of the Good Shepherd, the benefactors, volunteers and staff of Camillus House, we would like to thank all those who have worked for, prayed for and contributed to the success of Camillus House during our 22-year pursuit to relocate.
We especially want to thank Governor Jeb Bush and the members of the Florida Cabinet for approving this land transfer. We also want to acknowledge the bold and decisive leadership of Mayor Manny Diaz and the City of Miami Commission for recognizing the need for this new facility and supporting our relocation to this site. Two other key City of Miami administrators, former City Manager Joe Arriola and former Senior Economic Advisor Otto Boudet were also instrumental in bringing this ambitious plan to fruition.
Of course, the successful conclusion of this effort could not have been accomplished without the support of the U.M. Board of Trustees, and the active participation of U.M. President Donna Shalala and U.M. Vice President for Real Estate Sergio Rodriguez. We are looking forward to being good neighbors to these fine people.
The focus of our staff and Board now shifts to developing the final architectural plans and to raising funds to build and operate our new facility. It will be a state-of-the art center, which will nearly double our ability to effectively return to productive lives persons who are chronically homeless – that is, have a disabling condition and have been homeless for an extended period of time – in Miami. It will consist of a courtyard, a 340 bed-campus incorporating overnight shelter, intensive treatment, vocational training and job placement, permanent housing, and short-term respite care for persons who are frail and in need of help.
But today is a day for the entire Camillus family to give thanks and say “Thanks” to all who championed the cause of persons who are homeless in Miami.