Carnival Foundation Awards $100,000 Grant to Camillus House

Camillus House has been awarded a generous $100,000 grant from Carnival Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Carnival Corporation & plc, to support the ongoing operation of its Camillus Youth Housing Initiative (CYHI).  Through the CYHI, Camillus addresses unaccompanied homeless youth, providing the support necessary to transition participants from the streets to housing. To celebrate this incredible gift, leadership from Carnival Foundation joined Camillus House for a formal check presentation.

“Camillus House cannot thank the Carnival Foundation enough for their longstanding friendship and recent grant,” explained Hilda M. Fernandez, CEO of Camillus House.  “With limited housing programs for unaccompanied homeless youth in our community, Camillus is grateful for the partnership with the Carnival Foundation to help equip young men and women with the tools and resources to thrive.”

Founded in 2015, the CYHI provides transitional housing with lengths of stay from 6-24 months for up to 12 unaccompanied homeless youth at any given time. Understanding the complex needs of the young men and women served, the CYHI incorporates a trauma informed approach, providing the tools and support to help individuals successfully rehabilitate from homelessness. Participants receive a range of services including intensive case management, educational and vocational training, life skills training, comprehensive assessments, employment and/or benefits assistance, meals, transportation assistance and, if necessary, referrals to mental health/health services.

Building upon nearly 60 years of providing comprehensive services to persons who are poor and homeless, the CYHI employs innovative approaches to ensure program efficacy and participants’ successful transition to independence.  The CYHI utilizes thorough assessments to analyze gaps and needs relating to job readiness, higher education, financial literacy, and interpersonal and life skills.  Camillus’ system of care and community partnerships facilitates ease of access to the services required for participants including mental and primary health services, addiction treatment, educational support, and training.

Through Carnival Foundation’s generous support, Camillus will continue to meet the complex needs of unaccompanied homeless youth.  Camillus is honored to work alongside Carnival Foundation to make a real and lasting impact on the young men and women served.

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About Carnival Foundation  

Carnival Foundation is dedicated to creating positive change through empowering youth, enhancing education and strengthening families in the communities where Carnival Corporation employees live and work. Through monetary and in-kind donations, innovative philanthropic programs, employee fundraisers and hands-on volunteer initiatives, the foundation supports hundreds of organizations annually with primary funding focused in the areas of the arts, human needs, education, health and the environment.

About Camillus House

Camillus House has provided humanitarian services to persons who are poor and homeless in Miami-Dade County, Florida since 1960. As a ministry of the Hospitaller Order of St. John of God, Camillus House was originally established to serve Cuban exiles. From its humble beginning as a small soup kitchen, Camillus has grown into a full-service organization offering a comprehensive “system of care” including food, clothing, emergency, transitional and permanent housing, physical and mental health care, and substance abuse treatment.