By Onz Chéry | onz@haitiantimes.com
Bank of America has donated a $1.9 million building to Sant La Haitian Neighborhood Center. The building, located on 13450 West Dixie Highway in North Miami, is next to Sant La’s current rented offices. Sant La’s 19 employees will relocate later this year after renovation.
Sant La is a 19-year non-profit organization whose main mission is to strengthen the Haitian community by providing access to information on health, financial security, civic engagement and more. They have served over 100,000 clients since opening.
Paying for a facility has been an extra weight on Sant La’s officials’ shoulders.
“No longer impaired by the cost and uncertainty of renting a facility, we can focus on what we do best: serving Haitian-Americans to ensure they successfully integrate into life in South Florida and thrive,” said Sant La Executive Director Gepsie Metellus in a press release.
“We are deeply grateful for this gift, which ensures the long-term operational stability of Sant La through our commitment to empower, strengthen and uplift our Haitian community,” Metellus added.
The building was first built in 1977 and is 64,077 square-foot.
The two Bank of America drive-thru ATMS will still operate at the facility for the next 10 years. Bank of America has been Sant La’s partner for the past 19 years.
“Sant La exemplifies what it means to be a good community partner, which is why Bank of America is proud to donate a building for their operations and neighborhood center,” said Bank of America’s Miami Market President Gene Schaefer.
“Sant La can now redirect its resources to further invest in the people they serve and advance their efforts in bridging equity gaps for our Haitian community,” Schaefer added.