2023 Annual Report

Friends and Neighbors,

A home is more than just a place; it’s a sanctuary where we find solace, heal, and practice self-care. It’s where we experience both physical and psychological security. Home is where we rest, gather with our loved ones, and prepare for a new day. It’s supposed to be an address, a stable foundation for life’s journey.

As I reflect upon the past fiscal year, I’m filled with gratitude for the 257 individuals St. John Center has been able to provide with the gift of a new home—a safe haven with four walls and an address. Yet, I’m also acutely aware of the thousands of our neighbors who still lack this basic comfort, with many facing homelessness as the housing shortage escalates into a personal and community crisis.

Over the past year, our Day Shelter and Social Services Center witnessed an increasing number of individuals and families arriving without an address—2,945 to be exact. Across all 26 Metro Council Districts, we served 952 individuals, with 500 of them enduring chronic homelessness, living in makeshift shelters like parking lots, TARC stops, or under viaducts. In the absence of a permanent place to sleep and receive mail, we offered them our address—both a symbol of hope and a necessity.

In Fiscal Year 2023, we assisted our neighbors with 1,052 state IDs, 443 birth certificate services, and 2,564 strategic referrals to our community partners. These seemingly small pieces of paper have a profound impact on our ability to help them find their way home.

I vividly recall my arrival in 2021 when our volunteers sorted and distributed mail from the center of the Day Shelter using four wobbly but sturdy drawers. Last year, we outgrew those drawers and transformed what was once an office into a bustling mail room, collecting and distributing mail for nearly 3,000 individuals.

Last year, with your unwavering support, we joined forces with our partners to champion equitable access to identification. Discovering that unhoused individuals were paying a staggering 285% more for IDs and those without addresses couldn’t renew their driver’s licenses, we fought to correct this injustice. We proudly stood alongside the Governor as he turned HB21 into law—a testament to our collective commitment.

In addition to the vital services offered in our Day Shelter and Outreach programs, we provided permanent supportive housing for 104 more individuals. These individuals benefited from comprehensive case management, essential for those who have experienced prolonged homelessness in maintaining their newfound homes.

With insights from our community partners, dedicated staff, and the people we serve, St. John Center’s leadership charted a three-year plan to better address the unique and intricate needs of our community. Our vision included expanding supportive housing opportunities, enhancing housing navigation services, and diversifying our revenue streams to ensure the sustainability of our mission.

In closing, I extend my deepest gratitude to all of you for your steadfast support of St. John Center’s mission. Together, we are making strides toward a more compassionate and inclusive community where everyone has a place to call home. We do this work, because we believe that housing is a right, and we create a safer, healthier, and more vibrant community when we put housing first.

Ra’Shann Martin

Executive Director