Our History
The “Opening Our Doors” timeline highlights the inspiring history of The Lord’s Place
and the community’s dedication to ending homelessness
in Palm Beach County.
Beginning in 1979 with Brother Joe Ranieri’s bold efforts to raise awareness by living in a dumpster, the timeline shows how compassion and commitment grew into lasting change. From the opening of the first housing for single homeless men in 1983, the creation of the Palm Beach Auxiliary in 1984, and the launch of emergency housing for families in 1986, to the opening of Café Joshua by Joe Gamarano in 1995, each milestone represents a new door opened for those experiencing homelessness.
This journey illustrates the foundation of hope, housing, and healing that continues to guide our mission today.
The “Early Years” mark a powerful season of growth and transformation for The Lord’s Place.
In 2000, the merger with Café Joshua united two missions with one vision: to serve and empower those experiencing homelessness. Soon after, new campuses and headquarters were opened to expand our reach. At the same time, innovative programs like the Engagement Center and Operation Home Ready broke new ground in offering support and housing. By 2009, Job Training and Employment programs became a cornerstone of our work, giving clients the tools and confidence to rebuild their lives.
Each step along this journey reflects our unwavering commitment to creating hope, stability, and opportunity for all who walk through our doors.
The “Making Strides” years reflect a season of innovation and progress as The Lord’s Place built new pathways of hope for the community.
Beginning in 2010 with the launch of the Reentry Program, designed to support individuals transitioning from jail back into society, these years were marked by bold new initiatives. In 2013, Helen’s Place opened as the first affordable housing facility for graduates, while Burckle Place became the first housing campus for single women experiencing homelessness in Palm Beach County. By 2014 and 2015, programs like SOAR, Youth Services, the CARE Team, and Community Engagement expanded our services to reach more individuals and families in need. Halle Place opened in 2016 to support formerly incarcerated women, and Burckle Place West followed in 2017, continuing to provide housing for women working toward independence.
Each milestone during this time represents our determination to break barriers, restore dignity, and create lasting change for those we serve
"Reaching New Heights" celebrates the bold steps The Lord’s Place has taken to expand hope, innovation, and impact across our community.
Each milestone reflects a powerful commitment to breaking the cycle of homelessness—from pioneering new programs and services, to opening housing and support centers designed with dignity at their core.
From the launch of PATH and Peer Support to the creation of C-Place, Burckle Place III, and the Fortin Family Campus, every achievement represents lives touched and futures transformed. And with the launch of The Lord’s Place Foundation in 2025, we are ensuring that this work endures for generations to come.
Together, these milestones tell a story of growth, resilience, and the shared belief that everyone deserves a place to call home—a story that continues to unfold as we look to the future with hope, innovation, and determination.
For a more detailed timeline, click here.