St. Vincent de Paul overcoming challenges with shelter renovations
An organization dedicated to helping Louisville’s unhoused residents is in need of help as it upgrades its emergency men’s shelter.St. Vincent de Paul houses hundreds, feeds thousands, and offers counseling and support services to countless others. Five months ago, the Louisville organization began its $2 million dollar overhaul to its homeless shelter for men, Ozanam Inn. The Jackson Street facility is a 24/7 shelter and the only one in the metro without a daily check-out.Executive director, Jennifer Clark, says the simple ability for unhoused residents to store their belongings has a major impact.“We found that when you make life easier for people with these things and lower those barriers, you serve people more successfully, and we have seen housing outcomes go up because of that,” said Clark.In its more than a century work of caring for Louisvillians, recently St. Vincent de Paul came across a rather expensive barrier on that mission.“We had a plumbing problem that was a $100,000 problem. It was a crushed sewer pipe,” said Clark.After paying to replace the large pipe, fifteen feet underground, the new men’s shelter must forgo an elevator that would offer more accessibility, at least for now.It also pushed the completion date back to next spring. But, rather than seeing it as a setback, optimistic staff says the facility in progress is a springboard, and gave WLKY a tour.It will have an all-new design, necessary electrical upgrades, additional dorms and private rooms, new bathrooms and showers, and an improved entry way with a new ramp and a safer security check-in.“We’re not terribly off schedule. We’re going to get it done along with some additional landscaping and some, some other things that we’re doing for the space,” said Clark. “It’s so very exciting. I know it’s going to be here before we know it.”Between the expansion, helping families for the holidays, and daily work to transform lives, St. Vincent de Paul says donations are imperative now more than ever.“We appreciate all of the support of Louisville’s community, especially this time of year,” said Clark. “The generousness of people helps keep us going all year long. So those donations are so appreciated.”More information about St. Vincent de Paul and how to donate can be found on their website.
An organization dedicated to helping Louisville’s unhoused residents is in need of help as it upgrades its emergency men’s shelter.
St. Vincent de Paul houses hundreds, feeds thousands, and offers counseling and support services to countless others.
Five months ago, the Louisville organization began its $2 million dollar overhaul to its homeless shelter for men, Ozanam Inn. The Jackson Street facility is a 24/7 shelter and the only one in the metro without a daily check-out.
Executive director, Jennifer Clark, says the simple ability for unhoused residents to store their belongings has a major impact.
“We found that when you make life easier for people with these things and lower those barriers, you serve people more successfully, and we have seen housing outcomes go up because of that,” said Clark.
In its more than a century work of caring for Louisvillians, recently St. Vincent de Paul came across a rather expensive barrier on that mission.
“We had a plumbing problem that was a $100,000 problem. It was a crushed sewer pipe,” said Clark.
After paying to replace the large pipe, fifteen feet underground, the new men’s shelter must forgo an elevator that would offer more accessibility, at least for now.
It also pushed the completion date back to next spring. But, rather than seeing it as a setback, optimistic staff says the facility in progress is a springboard, and gave WLKY a tour.
It will have an all-new design, necessary electrical upgrades, additional dorms and private rooms, new bathrooms and showers, and an improved entry way with a new ramp and a safer security check-in.
“We’re not terribly off schedule. We’re going to get it done along with some additional landscaping and some, some other things that we’re doing for the space,” said Clark. “It’s so very exciting. I know it’s going to be here before we know it.”
Between the expansion, helping families for the holidays, and daily work to transform lives, St. Vincent de Paul says donations are imperative now more than ever.
“We appreciate all of the support of Louisville’s community, especially this time of year,” said Clark. “The generousness of people helps keep us going all year long. So those donations are so appreciated.”
More information about St. Vincent de Paul and how to donate can be found on their website.
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