WEST PALM BEACH, FL -- Emilio has hit hard times. Four months ago he lost his construction job, then lost his home. He has turned to the nuns at St. Ann Place in West Palm Beach for help. "Had a job then got laid off. The economy is getting bad and people are just losing their jobs. And if it wasn't for places like this, it would be very hard". He does not have a place to live, but the nuns provide him with food and whatever else he needs. "I get food I get cleaned, I get showers and I go to the library spend my time there looking for a job on the internet and I do what I have to do to survive, this is the place that helps me out".
Sister Carleen with St. Ann Place says they feed about 180 people per day Monday through Friday, but because of the economy, they've seen that number increase."Right now we are seeing more and more people all the time yesterday we saw five or six new clients. To see five or six clients in a two hour period is an increase, we are seeing people asking for rent, utilities, saying I've lost my house we are seeing some people that are first time homeless".
Sister Carleen says she and other nuns will continue to help those hit hard by the economy as the donations and grants are given to the organization. Emilio is thankful for the generosity. "It's a good place for me. If it wasn't for this place, I don't know where I would be, most likely in jail".
St. Ann Place
2107 N Dixie Hwy
West Palm Beach, FL 33407
(561) 805-7708
www.stannplace.org
