Hundreds of people in South Florida’s homeless community were able to experience the joys of the holiday season with a Christmas brunch on Wednesday.
300 residents of Camillus House were provided with a traditional Christmas feast at the facility’s Miami location. The meal was served by over 50 volunteers who spent their holiday helping the non-profit group that serves humanitarian aid and services to the homeless in the area.
"Grits, shrimp, oranges, ham... I'm feeling grateful. I'm grateful that they took me in," Tyrone Washington, a resident at Camillus House, told NBC 6.
"I'm grateful that they are helping me. I'm grateful for the staff members and the people that service and it's all around a wonderful day to be at Camillus House."
Residents were also able to take back parting gifts provided by volunteers.
The annual event continues Camillus House’s tradition, which includes serving Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings as well as events on other holidays.
"The residents that are here having breakfast include unaccompanied homeless youth, we have veterans in Veterans programs here, and we have survivors of human trafficking in our project Phoenix program," said Hilda Fernandez, the CEO at Camillus House.
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"And they all come here together and are able to enjoy and today be each others' family on a day when many of them do not have family that they can count on to share and break some bread with."
