Our Newsletters

Outreach In Action  

In its first year, the St. John Center Street Outreach program connected with  more than a thousand people living on Louisville’s streets. One of them was AJ, a 21-year-old, who had been homeless since he was 15. He and his mother lived in abandoned buildings.

“AJ is a great example of what we do in Outreach because at first encounter he was reluctant to engage. But after four months of consistent rapport building while working with others in his community, he eventually opened up to us,” explained Outreach team member Jamie Bush.

With the help of Outreach, AJ got his own apartment last November, where he lives with his beloved dog. “They have been very helpful.  They are good people,” said AJ of the Outreach staff. “This is the best thing that has happened to me in a while.  I would be in much worse shape if I didn’t have this place.”

By the Numbers

During its first year of service, St. John Center’s Street Outreach worked in collaboration with Uniting Partners for Women and Children to:

• Connect with 1,058 people living on the streets
• Provide 5,242 services
• Help 26 people move from the streets into housing
• Report that those receiving assistance lived in 31 different Louisville zip codes

Outreach workers find people living in abandoned buildings, under overpasses, in tents, and in alleys.  They build relationships and connect people to overnight shelters, healthcare, recovery services, and other essential resources that lead to permanent housing.

Thank you Julie!  

Julie Boatright got involved with St. John Center nearly five years ago.  She has seen her role evolve from volunteer to committee member to board member. 

When we asked Julie to chair the Raisin’ the Rent 2020 Committee and lead us toward our goal of raising $300,000 on March 7th, her answer was an unequivocal YES.  “It was a no brainer,” said Julie.  “I love this event and I believe in our work.  With every passing year I become more committed to the mission.  And it is an honor to support our friends who need some extra help.”

Julie is committed to making the 14th annual Raisin’ the Rent the best ever.  “I invite everyone to join us for Raisin the Rent this year. Buy a ticket, come to the event, and participate in the raffles and auctions,” she said.  “I promise it is the most fun you will ever have while helping a wonderful cause.  Funds raised from this event are critical to supporting St. John Center and the men who rely on it for their well-being.”

Raisin’ the Rent 2020 is Saturday, March 7 from 6-10 p.m. at the Mellwood Art & Entertainment Center.  The evening includes a delicious meal, raffles, live and silent auctions, music, dancing, and a short program.  Tickets are $50 each and may be purchased online by clicking here.

Contact Jenn Young at 502-398-3495 or jyoung@stjohncenter.org for more information.

Did You Know?

In 2019 2,042 different individuals visited St. John Center’s Day Shelter and Social Services center 62,662 times for an average daily attendance of 171.

While accessing basic services like shelter, showers, restroom, phone, and mail, 87% of our guests also received social services.

New Year and a New Home

For seven years, George has been homeless “on and off.” He has tried to find housing. But he hasn’t found the right housing with the right support. Until now. 

Just as 2019 ended, George was handed the keys to his own apartment. 

“You can’t give up.  You have to keep believing something good is going to happen.  That is really important,” said George.

Amanda Hay is George’s housing case manager. “We are both really happy with the apartment we worked together to find for him,” she said. “It was a great day when I met Amanda,” said George.

“Peace and quiet is the best part of having my own place,” George says.  “No one is snoring or coughing all night. I really like just being by myself.” 

Welcome home, George.

Click here to make a donation to help someone like George.

Clients Remembered at Memorial Service

On Dec. 18  the St. John Center community gathered to remember clients and loved ones of staff and volunteers who died this year.

May they rest in peace.

Number of the Month: 20

We extend gratitude and appreciation to Sandy and Frank Hack who have faithfully volunteered for St. John Center for 20 years. Their commitment to the men and our mission to serve them is inspiring.

Join the 2020 Street Count

The annual Homeless Street Count, sponsored by The Coalition for the Homeless, will be held from 4:30-6:30 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 30.  A mandatory training will be held the previous evening, Jan. 29, from 6-7 p.m. at Hotel Louisville.

Click here to go to the Coalition website for more information and to register.