Remembering a BPHI Founder

Bill Keith, a long-time Broward business leader who passed away in October of 2006, was one of the first community leaders who sought a solution to solving Broward’s homeless challenge. As strongly as he advocated for the closing of the so-called "Tent City" homeless site in 1997, he fought just as hard to establish a center that would provide safety, security and high-quality programs to assure that each homeless person gets a second chance. One of the key solutions was the creation of Broward Partnership for the Homeless, Inc. (BPHI) and the building of the Broward County Central Homeless Assistance Center (Center).

To celebrate Bill’s life and carry on his legacy, BPHI and the Keith family are creating the Bill Keith Family Memorial Garden on the grounds of the Broward County Central Homeless Assistance Center/Huizenga Family Campus in Fort Lauderdale.

A restful and contemplative area, the Garden will be located at the Center’s front entrance and use Communal Dream, an Art in Public Places project, as a backdrop. Upon entering the Center, each resident and visitor will have a welcoming reminder of Bill’s dedication and commitment to the work that is done at the Center each day.

Friends and admirers of Bill Keith are offered the opportunity to continue his work by purchasing a bench or brick for the Garden’s patio. To date $41,025 has been raised to establish the Bill Keith Family Memorial Endowment Fund to be directed toward the individual needs of BPHI residents. One of Bill’s passions was funding these specialized needs, such as tuition for job training, tools or clothes for tradesmen, a Girl Scout troop or holiday celebrations for our residents.

For more information please contact Katie Gustafson Foster, Chief Development & Communication Officer 954-832-7029 or kfoster@bphi.org. To make a donation https://www.sporg.com/registration?link_type=form&form_id=111113