Funds provide support to Project Phoenix, the shelter’s nationally recognized housing and treatment program to help adult, homeless women recovering from human trafficking.
February 17, 2021 MIAMI, FL — Camillus House was awarded an $85,000 grant from the Simply Healthcare Foundation to support Project Phoenix, the only residential housing and treatment program in Miami-Dade County for women survivors of human trafficking. As part of the grant, Camillus House and Simply Foundation will work with people who have experienced human trafficking to gain essential life skills necessary for a successful reintegration into local communities. In addition to the grant support, trained volunteers from Simply Healthcare will conduct a series of LifeSkills Workshops featuring virtual mentoring sessions and sharing powerful, multidisciplinary insights on various topics, including health, educational empowerment, and financial planning.
“Camillus House is grateful to the Simply Healthcare Foundation for their outstanding gift to our Project Phoenix program,” said Hilda M. Fernandez, CEO of Camillus House. “Their continued support helps us to work through the challenge of trauma recovery during the pandemic and provide care and services to women survivors on their way to a new path in life.”
Project Phoenix is staffed by licensed clinicians—including clinical social workers and mental health counselors. Community partners, including Miami Dade College, Florida International University and CareerSource South Florida, are in place to help the women gain access to opportunities in various fields, such as culinary arts, construction trade, and service industry sectors. Each woman in the program also has a case manager to help them find a rewarding career, other income benefits—and eventually, independent living.
“Simply Healthcare is committed to improving the lives of Floridians, especially vulnerable populations like those affected by human trafficking,” said Holly Prince, Simply Healthcare Medicaid Plan President. “By collaborating with Camillus House, we will support community-based resources, services and programs designed to help those at risk secure housing and access to medical care and find employment. This partnership is the latest of several Social Drivers of Health initiatives spearheaded by Simply Healthcare to address housing insecurity for vulnerable communities in Florida.” Through this vital partnership, Camillus will positively affect the homeless populations’ health and wellbeing, strengthening the community at large. Camillus House is thrilled to work alongside the Simply Healthcare Foundation to help make significant strides on this critical issue.
About Simply Healthcare
Simply Healthcare Plans is a Florida licensed health maintenance organization that serves more than 220,000 Floridians enrolled in its Medicaid and Medicare health plans. Simply provides ongoing community relations and outreach to encourage communities to become active participants in their health care. Every day, Simply employees in Miami and Tampa strive to help keep health care simple and provide education that empowers Floridians to choose and sustain healthy lifestyles. For more information about Simply Healthcare Plans, visit www.simplyhealthcareplans.com.