Camillus House: Over 60 Years of Compassionate Service to Miami’s Hungry and Homeless

For more than six decades, Camillus House has stood as a pillar of hope, compassion, and transformation for the hungry, homeless, and vulnerable populations in Miami-Dade County. Founded in 1960 on a simple act of kindness—a bowl of corn flakes and milk offered by Brother Mathias Barrett to a hungry Cuban exile—Camillus House has grown into one of South Florida’s most trusted and comprehensive homeless service organizations.

Our Mission: Providing Hope, Healing, and a Path Forward
At Camillus House, we believe that every human being deserves dignity, respect, and the opportunity to live a full life, regardless of their current circumstances. Our mission is to help individuals and families break the cycle of homelessness by addressing not just their immediate needs, but also the underlying causes that keep them trapped in poverty.

Since our humble beginnings, we have served hundreds of thousands of men, women, and children—offering not just survival, but the tools for renewal. We deliver more than 600 hot meals a day, but food is just the start. Camillus House provides comprehensive wraparound services designed to stabilize lives and foster long-term independence.

A Full Continuum of Homeless Services in South Florida
Today, Camillus House is recognized as the most broad-based homeless services provider in Miami-Dade County. Our multi-faceted programs are designed to meet people where they are—whether they’re living on the streets, in shelters, or transitioning into stable housing.

Our key services include:

Emergency shelter and transitional housing

Daily meals, hygiene facilities, and clothing distribution

Medical and behavioral health care

Substance abuse treatment and recovery support

Employment assistance and vocational training

Case management and mental health counseling

Legal services and ID restoration

Specialized services for veterans, women, and the chronically homeless

Every service we provide is grounded in our core philosophy of compassionate care, ensuring that each individual is treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.

A Legacy of Faith, Service, and Community Impact
What began with a single meal has grown into a lifesaving ministry of service that touches thousands of lives each year. Camillus House is not only one of the oldest homeless service organizations in South Florida, but also one of the most innovative—constantly evolving to meet the changing needs of our community.

We are proud to work in close partnership with local government agencies, healthcare providers, faith-based organizations, volunteers, and donors, all of whom share our commitment to ending homelessness in Miami-Dade County.

Join Us in Making a Difference
The need for our services remains urgent. With rising housing costs, inflation, mental health challenges, and a growing number of individuals and families living on the edge, Camillus House continues to serve as a critical safety net for our region.

Whether you are looking to donate, volunteer, or learn more about how to support our mission, Camillus House welcomes you. Together, we can restore hope, dignity, and opportunity for those who need it most—and continue a legacy of compassion that has endured for over 60 years.