Curley's House Food Bank

For over 30 years, Curley’s House has ‘been a beacon of light’ in Miami

Abdur247 — Thu, 13 Nov 2025 03:40:50 +0000

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Curley’s House has ‘been a beacon of light’ in Miami for 3 decades

MIAMI — Pamela Johnson said she was grateful for Curley’s House, a nonprofit organization based in Miami’s Liberty City neighborhood.

Johnson, a great-grandmother and retired school cafeteria worker, said the nonprofit’s food bank does a great service.

“A lot of these people would not eat … We thank God for Curley’s,” Johnson said. “Curley’s makes a great impact in our neighborhood. We pray that it keeps going.”

For 16 years, Elba Salcedo, a wheelchair user, said she has been visiting the nonprofit organization every Tuesday to get food assistance.

“They help me and many others,” Elba said in Spanish.

Lavern Spicer, the executive director and founder of Curley’s House, said treating their customers with kindness is a priority.

“We are not just feeding the body, we are feeding the soul, feeding the spirit,” Spicer said. “We are providing hope where there is no hope.”

The nonprofit aims to feed 5,000 customers every month. George Willard said he needs their help even when he receives federal food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

“We have been a beacon of light in our community for over 30 years,” Spicer said.

Curley’s House Food Bank has lost over $3 million in funding. Donate today.

Abdur247 — Sat, 18 Oct 2025 02:42:10 +0000

Mayor Daniella Levine Cava revealed that Miami-Dade County is facing a $402 million budget deficit. To make up for the loss, she is looking to cut spending, and as a result, many public programs are now in danger of losing funding.

Curley’s House Food Bank, located on the edge of Liberty City, is one example of a non-profit that may be affected by the budget cuts. Lavern Spicer, the executive director of Curley’s, stated that it is too early to know how the budget cuts will affect the food bank, but the county’s financial support is essential.

The food bank received more than $200,000 from the county last year, she said. Curley’s relies on Miami-Dade for purchasing food, overhead costs, the rent, light bills, etc., as well as making sure that they give out nutritious food that is not expired or outdated, said Spicer.

She explained that a lot of seniors they serve only get $5 to $20 in food stamps a month, and there are some who do not get anything and cannot afford to buy food.

“The cost of living is at an extreme high, and they cannot afford to provide for themselves. So we are here, to stand in the gap to make sure that these people are able to eat and not die from starvation,” Spicer said.

The poverty rate in Liberty City is 42.9%, which is more than double the overall poverty rate in Miami-Dade County, according to a report done by the South Florida Housing Studies Consortium in 2017.

Curley’s House Food Bank, located at 6025 NW 6th Ct., serves over 5,000 people per month.

The mayor’s proposed cuts in Levine Cava’s $12.9 billion budget for 2026 include $55 million that subsidizes nonprofit organizations. Two senior centers and three congregate meal sites would also close.

To further offset the budget deficit, 350 county positions are being eliminated, and fees for park services, marinas, and golf courses will increase. Levine Cava is also reducing pay for top executives.

Levine Cava says half of the deficit is driven by an “unfunded state mandate” that increased the cost of county government to pay for a state amendment that created five additional independent constitutional offices for services that were already provided.

Florida voters adopted Amendment 10 to the state constitution in November 2018. As a result, since Jan. 7, 2025, there are new constitutional offices — all of which run independently from Miami-Dade County government — including the Sheriff, the Supervisor of Elections, the Property Appraiser, the Tax Collector, and the Clerk of the Court and Comptroller.

Commissioners vote on the new budget in September, which is set to go into effect on October 1.

This story was originally published in the Liberty City Independent, a WLRN News partner.

Miami-Dade County, Florida

Abdur247 — Fri, 15 Aug 2025 03:09:33 +0000

Miami-Dade County is the most populous county in Florida, located at the southeastern tip of the state. It’s a major cultural, economic, and transportation hub for the U.S. and the gateway to Latin America and the Caribbean.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Geography & Size

County Seat: Miami (the largest city in the county and a global destination)
Area: About 2,431 square miles (6,300 km²) — the largest county in Florida by land area.
Covers urban areas, suburbs, the Florida Keys (northern part), and a large portion of Everglades National Park.

Population

Over 2.6 million residents (as of 2024), making it the most populous county in Florida.
Very diverse — large communities of Cuban, Haitian, Colombian, Venezuelan, and other Latin American/Caribbean backgrounds.

Government

Uses a strong mayor–commission form of government.
Official name: Miami-Dade County (changed from “Dade County” in 1997 to highlight the internationally recognized name “Miami”).
Governed by a Mayor and a Board of County Commissioners.

Economy

Major sectors: tourism, trade, finance, healthcare, transportation, real estate, and technology.
Home to PortMiami, one of the largest cargo and cruise ports in the world.
Miami International Airport (MIA) is a major hub for both domestic and international flights.

Culture & Attractions

Known for South Beach, Little Havana, Wynwood, Everglades, Zoo Miami, and the Art Deco Historic District.
Hosts major events like Art Basel Miami Beach, Calle Ocho Festival, and the Miami International Boat Show.

Special Role

Functions as a gateway city for Latin America and the Caribbean.
Highly bilingual (English & Spanish are widely spoken).
Plays a key role in U.S. immigration, trade, and cultural exchange.

Publix

Abdur247 — Wed, 13 Aug 2025 03:45:18 +0000

Fresh Flavors of the Season: Your Summer Shopping Guide

At Publix, we believe every season is a chance to enjoy fresh flavors and create memorable moments. This summer, our stores are bursting with fresh produce, delightful snacks, and refreshing beverages—perfect for picnics, barbecues, and family gatherings.

1. Seasonal Produce That Shines

From juicy peaches to crisp sweet corn, our produce section is stocked with the best nature has to offer. Whether you’re whipping up a fruit salad or grilling vegetables, you’ll find farm-fresh options ready to brighten your plate.

2. Easy Meal Solutions

Busy days call for quick and tasty meals. Stop by our deli for fresh subs, ready-to-eat salads, or our famous fried chicken. Planning a weekend cookout? Our meat department offers fresh cuts and marinated options that are grill-ready.

3. Cool Off With Refreshing Treats

Beat the heat with our wide selection of ice cream, frozen fruit bars, and chilled drinks. Don’t forget to explore our bakery for pies and cakes that pair perfectly with summer evenings.

4. Savings You’ll Love

Check out our weekly BOGO deals and digital coupons on the Publix app. Great food doesn’t have to come with a high price tag—especially when you shop smart.

Publix Tip: Try combining seasonal fruits with sparkling water for a healthy, colorful drink everyone will love.

At Publix, we’re here to make your summer delicious, easy, and affordable. See you in the aisles!

CURLEY’S HOUSE OF STYLE: FEEDING THE COMMUNITY

Abdur247 — Tue, 19 Nov 2024 03:05:00 +0000

MIAMI – For many years, Lavern Spicer sat under the tutelage of the late Curley “Cuzzie” King, a pioneering cosmetologist and beauty salon owner who recognized the economic depression in her community and tried to fill the gaps left by unemployment and illiteracy.

“To the poor man, she was the good shepherd. To the weak, she was strength. To the homeless, she was a shelter from the storms in their lives. To the abused and broken she was an ear to listen to their stories and a pillow to rest from their heavy burdens. To the children, she was a magician,” Elie-Scott said of her mentor.

“She was able to make their dreams come true and have food on their table and clothes on their backs,” she said.

When King died in the late 1990s, Elie-Scott inherited her Curley’s Beauty Salon, which operates at 6301 NW Seventh Ave. in Miami’s Liberty City neighborhood.

She expanded on King’s philanthropy in 2001, when she started the Curley’s House of Style Inc./Hope Relief Food Bank a short distance away at 6025 NW Sixth Court. It was to become a large-scale effort to provide help for low- to moderate-income individuals and families, especially the elderly, abused, homeless and those infected with HIV/AIDS.

“When we were growing up, our parents taught us how important it was for us to work, to help people and be concerned about your neighbors,” Elie-Scott said. “But, nowadays, there are kids raising kids so they don’t have the role models we had and there’s a whole different approach to life.”

Elie-Scott blames the welfare system for that situation, saying it has created “generations of people that have the mentality, ‘I don’t have to work and can just have babies and the government is going to take care of them’.”

Since its inception, Curley’s House of Style, which is staffed by volunteers, has assisted hundreds of thousands of needy people who are unable to get help from other agencies or have run out of options and resources.

Besides operating a food bank, Curley’s House offers programs designed to help residents through job skills training and placement, referral services, information on healthcare and nutrition, financial literacy, a “Love Thyself” mentoring

program that builds self-esteem in abused, homeless and HIV/AIDS-infected women.

The nonprofit is also a state-mandated site where residents can apply for food stamps, Medicare and Medicaid benefits.

It also partners annually with Miami Rescue Mission and provides free haircare for female residents of the charity.

“It started with the basis to teach them about life,” said Elie-Scott. “I feel that Curley’s House is truly a beacon of light that is welcomed in this community because, for years, there were no services in place to really reach out and help these people.”

Over the last five years, the number of people served has doubled, from 795 to 1,500 a month, Elie-Scott estimates. The organization gets some private and government food donations, as well as money from fundraisers and a grant from the city of Miami but, said Elie-Scott, the need remains great and on some days the shelves in the food bank are bare.

“Because the demand is so great, as soon as it comes in it goes out,” said LaVerne Holliday, administrator of Curley’s House. “When someone comes in, we do not take them through all the red tape or play the zip code game with them. As long as there’s food on our shelves, we make sure that the person gets it. If they’re lying, then it’s between them and God. Our purpose is to make sure that if they come in and say they’re hungry they get fed.”

Holliday said “a lot of our seniors” get only about $7 to $17 per month in food stamps and about $300 to $400 in Social Security benefits.

“How do you pay your rent, your light?” she said. “And most of them have health issues like diabetes and high blood pressure and medicines are extremely high. So we sort of be there and help them out.”

“We know that the food is just a Band-Aid and there’s an underlying problem,” said Holliday. “So we ask certain questions to find out their needs and try to help them holistically. Our intention is to feed the total person. Once a person is not hungry, they are able to concentrate on other areas of their insecurities and can begin to work on solutions to combat those insecurities.”

Holliday said much more can be done if more donations come in — whether money, bulk food, clothes and school supplies. Curley’s House of Style accepts donations.

For more information on the organization or how to donate, call 305-759-9805 or e-mail

via http://www.sfltimes.com/uncategorized/curleys-house-of-style-feeding-the-community

9Mile Music Festival

Abdur247 — Tue, 19 Nov 2024 03:03:59 +0000

The 9 Mile Music Festival has provided over 3 million canned goods since it’s inception. Distributing them to homeless shelters and domestic centers throughout Miami; feeding families in need for months. For 24 years, the concert has required canned goods in addition to the price of admission, and it always will.

“Together we can make a difference for those who are less fortunate. United we stand, divided we fall.”

Questions, comments, or feedback regarding; Vendor applications, media inquiries, talent, ticket support or any other concerns please do not hesitate to

Curley’s House Food Bank asks for help from Miami community

Abdur247 — Tue, 19 Nov 2024 03:02:36 +0000

MIAMI (WSVN) – The Curley’s House of Style, Inc-Hope Relief Food Bank is reaching out to Miami community members for help.

The organization, located in the area of Northwest 60th Street and Sixth Court, is known for helping out those who need assistance in tough times.

“I moved to Miami about nine months ago. I still haven’t gotten my food stamps yet, I’m on disability so I have to stretch my money,” said Susan Sterns, who walked into Curley’s House for the first time.

She’s not the only one who will receive help from the food bank. They offer assistance to the elderly, homebound, HIV and AIDS infected individuals and many others.

“At least you have these resources to help you out and at least help feed the kids,” said Yahaira Claudio.

Now members of the organization who help so many, are asking for the community’s help.

“We need all the help we can get just to continue to keep our doors open and to continue feeding these people that really need the food,” said Executive Director Lavern Spicer.

Their services go beyond helping put food on the table.

“We don’t just give them food alone. A lot of our clients need clothes and some of them are going on interviews and so we’re just a one stop shop,” said Assistant Executive Director Laverne Holliday.

The Curley’s House of Style, Inc -Hope Relief Food Bank is asking for corporations and community members to come forward and help them stay open so they can help those in need.

“Sometimes I don’t have for my kids so that’s why Curley’s is a big help for me and my kids,” said mother Jennifer Ochoa. “I appreciate everything they’ve done for me during this time that I’ve lived around this area.”

To reach out to the organization, call 305-759-9805, email curleyshouseinc@yahoo.com or visit them on Facebook.

via: https://wsvn.com/news/local/curleys-house-food-bank-asks-for-help-from-miami-community/comment-page-1/