FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Residents at The Caring Place, a homeless shelter exclusively for men, enjoyed a special Christmas Day thanks to donors, volunteers and staff. The shelter serves men ages 18 and older.
“Today we are filling in as the secondary family for a lot of our residents, who cannot be with their own family, and some of them we are filling in as their primary family,” said Omar Herrera, who works at The Caring Place.
About 300 men started the day with a holiday breakfast that included eggs, grits, biscuits and corned beef hash. Residents also shared their personal stories and the paths that brought them to the shelter.
“I was absolutely broke down, homeless, and drug addicted. I couldn’t stop using on my own and I came to the regeneration program specifically to deal with my drug addiction,” said resident Norman Brooks.
“Nine months ago I realized that my life-controlling problems, the drugs and alcohol, were totally ruining my life. I knew I needed to change. So I decided to try and make that transformation, led me here to The Caring Place, and it’s been the best decision I’ve made in my life,” said resident Patrick Paul.
Residents at The Caring Place work on bettering themselves through education, pursuing sobriety, and seeking stable employment. On Christmas, the shelter offered gifts, shoes, clothing, accessories, and hygiene products.
“While you are over there with your family, I’m over here with my family, the staff, the residents!” Paul said.
Volunteers and staff helped make the day memorable, ensuring residents felt remembered and celebrated during the holiday season.
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