For nearly 40 years, Poverello has provided food, health, and dignity to South Floridians facing critical and chronic illness. Our story starts with one priest who refused to look away.
The Poverello Center, Inc. serves individuals in need with a focus on those living with HIV or other chronic illnesses in South Florida, through a holistic and compassionate approach that includes prevention, nutritious food, essential health services, and basic living necessities.
All will enjoy the health benefits of high quality, nutritious food, exercise and healthcare in our communities.
The Poverello Center began in 1987 with Fr.William “Bill” Collins, who founded the organization to provide food,compassion and dignity to people living with HIV/AIDS during the height of theAIDS crisis.
Father Bill built the foundation of Poverelloaround a simple belief: people facing serious illness should not also have toworry about where their next nutritious meal would come from. That commitmentshaped the organization’s earliest years and established Poverello as a trustedsource of support for people living with HIV throughout South Florida.
Under the leadership of Thomas S. Pietrogallo,Poverello grew and evolved. Building on Father Bill’s original mission, Tomhelped transition the organization from one focused primarily on HIV care andfood assistance into a broader model serving people living with HIV and otherchronic illnesses.
That evolution strengthened Poverello’s focus onthe idea that food is medicine. Nutrition became an increasingly important partof the organization’s approach to health, alongside medical care, HIV testingand prevention, case management, linkage to care and other wraparound services.Over time, Poverello expanded its programs to address not only immediate needs,but the broader health and wellness of the people it serves.
Today, following Tom’s passing, The PoverelloCenter enters its next chapter.
The organization moves forward with thefoundation established by Father Bill, the growth and transformation led by Tomand a continued commitment to meeting the changing needs of the South Floridacommunity.
Poverello’s work continues to evolve, but itspurpose remains the same: helping people live healthier, more secure lives withdignity, compassion and access to the care and nutrition they need.
The mission continues.
