Did you sleep well last night? Did you have a good dinner? Have you bathed today? Six thousand men, women and children in Dade county alone may have just answered "no" to one or all of these questions. But everyday thousands of meals are being served across South Florida, and hundreds of beds are lent for a night. All this made possible through the handful of organizations that have made helping the homeless and needy their mission. Today, these are more than food and shelter sites, they are resource areas that get people back on their feet and hold them up in support; places that can help you find a job, find a home, find Jesus Christ.

Following is a list of organizations who support the homeless and those in need in our community.

Remember them during the holiday season.

REFERRAL ORGANIZATIONS:

(A host of member providers united to provide services to the homeless and needy)

Broward Coalition

(954) 522-5790

Over 100 organizations united to provide support services (food, clothing, housing, medical, job, education, etc) to all people in need, homeless, individuals, families,etc.

Daily Food Bank*

(305)633-9861

Provides food to over 800 agencies in the Tri-counties. Call for referral. Nov 16 and 22 volunteers needed to participate in boxing food for holidays

Community Partnership for Homeless

Must be referred through the City of Miami Homeless Program (305) 579-3404

Men, women, and families are assisted in being redirected back into the mainstream

Provides housing (if available), food, telephones, addresses adult education needs,etc.

Stay limited from 7-60 days.

Dade County Homeless Trust

375-1490

Puts you in touch with over 20 Member service providers under contract to the Trust to fulfill the needs (food, clothing, housing, medical, job, education, etc.) of the homeless.

Switchboard of Miami Hotline*

(305) 358-4357 (Dade)

(954) 467-6333 (Broward)

(305) 670-4357 (Elderly)

Quick action referral into hundreds of agencies in the community who can provide food, housing, medical, emergency assistance, crisis intervention, clothing, medical, etc.

DIRECT SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS:

(If you or someone you know is homeless or has a need, these organizations will respond directly.

A Woman’s Place*

(305) 358-2063

For women only. Provides a bath and food. Phones are available to make calls. Open 9-3:00 p.m. except Saturday and Sunday

This is just a list of a few organizations who come to the aid of those in our community who are in need. They are dependent upon people like yourself to help them to help others. The opportunities go beyond serving food on thanksgiving Day and Christmas. Financial donations and other contributions are welcomed but your talent, time and trade is also needed.

Camillus House*

(305) 374-1065

Men’s shelter only. Free food, clothing, shelter, crisis intervention, health care, job/ housing assistance, counseling, advocacy, legal services, substance abuse referrals, psychiatric and pastoral counseling

Women and children can receive clothing and food.

Farm Share*

(305) 246-3276

Distributes produce and USDA commodities to those in need (low income, unemployed, elderly,etc.)

Also provide produce and USDA commodities to churches, agencies, shelters and soup kitchens who feed the homeless and the needy. Please call for details.

Miami Rescue Mission*

(305) 571-2273 (Dade)

(954) 964-8309

Services Men, women and children. Provides food, shelter, job placement and rehab, educational programs in literacy.

A huge thanksgiving block party is planned to feed over 1000 in November. A computer lab and library is planned as part of expanding the educational programs

South Florida Food Recovery*

(305) 891-8811

Open to churches who want to sign up to increase the food they can make available in their pantries to feed the homeless and needy. Police Officers and social workers who identify a need in a household can walk-in and pick up food.

Volunteers who need to do community service hours can help distribute food.

The Cooperative Feeding program of Greater Ft. Lauderdale

Must be referred through the Broward Coalition (954 522-5790)

provides food, clothing, help with rent, electricity, bus passes, clean suits for job interviews.

Annual Holiday Store open for families and individuals

Fundraiser luncheon planned for November 5 at the First Presbyterian Church of Ft. Lauderdale.

The Salvation Army*

(305) 637-6720 (Dade)

(954) 524-6991 (Broward)

Provides safe and clean shelter for men, women, children, families; 24-hour medical care provided; Depending on the need a person can stay for as long as 9 months. Single women with children who have tested HIV positive. Day care is provided for those who

go out to work. School age children have bus service available from the family. Clothing and some other services can be provided for those who walk-in off the street.

TBN Channel 45*

Ministry: His Hands Extended

(305) 681-8665

Provides food and clothing

Miami City Rescue Mission*

(305) 371-3124

Provides overnight housing to men only at a rate of $7.00 a night. Some exceptions on a case by case basis.

Includes bed, breakfast and dinner. Those who do not reside at the facility are invited in on Sunday for chapel services and fed lunch.

The Village

Hotline 597-HELP

Run-a-way and homeless youth 14-18
Provides housing, (up to 14 days), referral to substance abuse programs, education, medical, family reunification or independent living.

To access additional services to the general community please call 573-3784. The village also provides comprehensive substance abuse and mental health treatment prevention and education services: 90% of clients served is indigent

World Relief

(305)541-8320

Provides food for churches to distribute to the elderly only via hotline access (860-4855)

Interchurch Employment Ministry Network (643-0593) Jobs bank coordinated through the churches.

SIDEBAR

*GREATLY NEEDED: volunteers and supporters to give of their time, donations, food (perishable and non-perishable), toys for kids during the holiday, personal care, household items,cleaning supplies,etc. To help, call one of the above organizations.