Our Newsletters

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.

New faces at SJC

St. John Center has welcomed two new staff members last month – Jane Tyler and E. Bullock.

Jane is administrative assistant to the Center’s executive director and bookkeeper.  Bullock serves as safety and floor support for the shelter.  Both are part-time positions. 

Cortney Foster, who originally served as a case manager, has been promoted to Shelter and Outreach Manager.  She is responsible for all aspects of the day shelter, including social services, housing counseling, employment services, security, volunteer management, and outreach services.

Did You Know?

From Feb. 5 through Nov. 13 the Street Outreach team has served 755 people of all races, ethnicity, gender, and family composition.

• 8% were under age 25
• 7% were over age 62
• More than 36% suffer from mental illness
• 173 or 22% are victims of domestic violence
• 254 or 33% are chronically homeless
• 48% have no income
• 50 clients are veterans

Over 3,800 services were provided, including arranging shelter, securing identification cards, harm reduction education, substance abuse and mental health treatment, medical care, transportation assistance, and benefits counseling.

Street Outreach is a collaboration between SJC and UP for Women and Children.

Honoring Veterans through Service

St. John Center has been serving homeless veterans since we opened our doors in 1986.  Representatives from the Veterans Administration see guests at the shelter every week.  SJC staff members have also served in the military. 

Jamie Bush, a member of the Center’s Outreach Team, spent 7 1/2 years in the U.S. Army. Plant Manager Emmanuel Fonlupt served four years in the French army and is a veteran of the Gulf War.

However, one doesn’t have to be a veteran to serve veterans.  Laura Farkas, a housing case manager, is pursuing a master’s degree in social work with a military specialization.  “Working with all of my clients is rewarding because I am able to help those who need it.  But my veteran and military clients often need assistance navigating the military system because it can be confusing.” 

Jamie’s service made a lifelong impact.  “I think everyone on the planet should have to serve two years in the military,” he explained.  “It is a social experiment because it involves all cultures, religions, ethnicities, and genders.  It will forever be imprinted on me.” 

“Military service teaches you loyalty, responsibility, pride, and fraternity,” said Emmanuel.  “I have respect for veterans wherever they have served.”  He is especially proud that his 18-year-old daughter is currently serving in the U.S. Army. 

Did You Know?

In fiscal 2019, 218 homeless veterans visited St. John Center?  42 received housing vouchers from the VA, and 20 were added to SJC housing programs.

“St. John Center honors veterans every day by supporting our homeless veterans on their paths toward permanent housing,” said executive director Maria Price.  “In just nine years, the percentage of homeless veterans using SJC services fell from 29 to 12, representing a major victory in the community’s efforts to end homelessness and the VA’s commitment to supportive housing.  This is no time to retreat in our efforts.  Let’s keep moving forward in support of our veterans!”

Humana Hosts Thanksgiving Dinner

St. John Center is extremely grateful for Humana’s support in providing Thanksgiving dinner for participants in the shelter’s Permanent Supportive Housing program.

This year’s event marks the 6th straight year that volunteers from the Humana IT Associate Engagement Team will treat the men to a holiday feast (turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, rolls).

The Humana crew sets up, serves, cleans up, and spends time talking with the Center’s housing clients. Thank You to Humana for your on-going partnership!

Thank You

St. John Center is grateful to receive the following third quarter (July 1 – Sept. 30) grant awards.

• Cralle Foundation
• Fifth Third Bank
• Gardner Foundation
• Incarnation Catholic Church
• Norton Healthcare
• Sisters of Charity of Nazareth
• V.V. Cooke Foundation