Kevin celebrated his graduation ceremony for the Hotel Property Specialist program on September 11, 2024, at Camillus House main campus amidst cheers from his mentor and many other staff and friends who joined the vibrant occasion.
A week before graduation, Kevin also got his GED and has been enjoying such celebratory milestone moments since. As a youth without a high school diploma, Kevin received a GED offered at Miami Dade College through Camillus YOUniversity part of Camillus Workforce Development Programming.
Thanks to partners who support our youth programming, teenagers and ambitious youths like Kevin can successfully transition to housing and employment.
Kevin’s journey of homelessness from New York to Miami has been full of ups and downs, with his own father not owning up to him. But today, he is utilizing the full array of support received through the Camillus Youth Housing Initiative (CYHI), whether it be educational attainment, accessing benefits and gainful employment through our Workforce Development Initiative, Kevin will confidently and gradually be exiting towards securing a stable housing.
“You see, I don’t quit. There are bumps on the road, but I won’t quit because I know Camillus House won’t quit on me either.” His confidence is inspiring.
CYHI is impactful to Kevin and her peers, who have begun their journey to self-sufficiency. When partners like you invest in the youth of today, you are investing in the trailblazers of tomorrow!
Founded in 2015, CYHI provides housing for up to 12 unaccompanied youth at any given time who are homeless and/or emerging from the foster care system. Yearly, we fundraise over two hundred thousand dollars in private funding for our youth housing program and as a result, support of the community is critical in ensuring homeless youth of today do not become chronically homeless tomorrow. Funding from thoughtful and generous private granters has been augmenting existing funds dedicated to our youth housing initiative program. On behalf of every single soul, we humbly serve, thank all our private foundations for their irreplaceable and continued support in serving unaccompanied and homeless youth in need.
Be a Part of Camillus' Story
Our work depends on caring friends – will you join us? Learn more about how you can get involved and support us.