CLIENT NEWS: Kristi House And M.U.J.E.R. Secure Historic Property In Homestead To Establish Permanent Service Center For Women, Children, And Families
November 4, 2024Kristi House, Miami-Dade County’s only nationally accredited Children’s Advocacy Center, and MUJER, a one-stop domestic violence and sexual assault center, have closed on the purchase of a historic landmark property in downtown Homestead for $5.1 million. The facility, located at 240 & 250 N. Krome Avenue, will be co-owned and operated by both organizations, serving as a permanent, shared service center dedicated to trauma-informed care and support for underserved communities in deep South Dade.
The 31,514-square-foot property consists of two connected buildings with office and classroom space, along with two parking lots on a two-acre site. The signature building is a 6,500-square-foot church building, “The Sanctuary,” designated as a historic landmark in the City of Homestead. The campus will undergo transformation into The Healing Sanctuary, a collaborative center offering crucial resources for victims of abuse, trauma, and violence. Its strategic location in the heart of Homestead’s bustling civic and commercial district makes it an ideal site for Kristi House and MUJER to significantly expand their reach and impact.
“This center will stand as a much-needed beacon of hope and healing for women, children, and families in our area,” said Amanda G. Altman, CEO of Kristi House. “This partnership marks a significant step toward achieving our vision of a permanent, safe sanctuary. By co-owning this space, we are investing in the future of our community and ensuring lasting stability for the life-changing services we provide.”
The acquisition was kick-started by a $500,000 grant from The Miami Foundation’s Collective Real Estate Ownership (CREO) initiative, which promotes nonprofit ownership of property to create stability and sustainability in historically underinvested communities. The Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation also provided a loan to further support the purchase. The transaction was facilitated by Nancy Garcia from The Keyes Company.
The only remaining tenant from the previous owner, Atala Montessori School for Creative Expression, will operate through the 2024-2025 school year and vacate the property afterward. The newly acquired property will house both Kristi House and MUJER, with plans to bring in additional tenants offering services for children and families. Leasing opportunities will be available in 2025, ensuring the facility continues to grow as a community resource and center for healing.
About Kristi House
Founded in 1995, Kristi House is a private, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization and Miami-Dade County’s only nationally accredited Child Advocacy Center. Kristi House provides coordinated legal, medical, and social services to child victims of abuse and their families, while working with seven partner agencies to hold perpetrators accountable. Recognized for its evidence-based therapeutic expertise, Kristi House has helped more than 28,200 children and their families recover from trauma. Services are provided at no cost and include a full continuum of care, including therapy and counseling crucial for healing. For more information or to explore volunteer and donation opportunities, visit www.kristihouse.org.
About M.U.J.E.R.
M.U.J.E.R. Inc. (Mujeres Unidas en Justicia, Educación, y Reforma or Women United in Justice, Education, and Reform) is a nonprofit, community-based social service organization in Homestead, FL, dedicated to serving victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Recognized as a leading one-stop center for these critical services, MUJER has become known for its culturally sensitive, trauma-informed care for the predominantly Hispanic, low-income residents of South Miami-Dade County. Established as an independent 501(c)(3) in 1994, MUJER was the first agency to address family violence within Latino communities and continues to be a vital resource for families in need. For more information, visit www.mujerfla.org.
