News
August 26, 2016St. Paul’s Center Celebrates 10 Years of Service to Homeless Mothers & Children
St. Paul’s Center opened its doors in October 2006 to serve our most vulnerable families – homeless mothers and their children. Since them, more than 2,100 homeless families have turned to St. Paul’s Center for shelter, support and services, all delivered with compassion and respect.
The concept for the St. Paul’s Center began in 2001 when St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Rensselaer merged with St. Timothy’s Lutheran Church in North Greenbush. Faced with the decision of what to do with a 100 year old building in the inner city, a task force was formed to study options. After 18 months of extensive research and a visit to Commissioner John Beaudoin of the Rensselaer County Department of Social Services, the task force learned that shelter beds for homeless women and children were the most critical unmet need in the county. Under the inspired leadership of Pastor Lee Dyer, the congregation voted unanimously to donate the building to the project. The Center opened the doors of this 19-bed shelter to guests on October 2, 2006.
It was Pastor Dyer’s deep belief in the project and the compassion, dedication and vision of its founding Board of Directors that brought the project to life. Founding Directors, Sharon De Martini, Marilyn Dyer, Marge Hopkins, Elizabeth Wade, and Darlene Ward will be honored at a Sept. 17 10th Birthday Bash for Big Kids event and will receive the John Beaudoin Compassion Award to recognize their significant contribution to the Center in meeting the needs of homeless families.
St. Paul’s Center, located in Rensselaer County, provides emergency housing for homeless mothers and their children and provides support and services to help families move out of homelessness. Since St. Paul’s Center opened its doors in October 2006, more than 1900 mothers and children have received assistance.
“The 10th Birthday Bash for Big Kids will honor those who worked hard to bring about a valuable service to the community at the same time, celebrate the strides the homeless community has made to serve those in need,” said Tracy Pitcher, Executive Director of St. Paul’s Center. St. Paul’s Center Board President Ginny O’Brien added, “The good work being done by St. Paul’s Center is making a difference in reducing the number of homeless families, but the Center does not make these strides alone. It is the commitment of the entire community that helps support the mothers and children who come to our doors. This event supports that good work and allows the community to come together to show their support for the Center and the mothers and children the Center serves.”
Tickets for the event can be purchased for $60.00 through the Center’s website. To find out more information about St. Paul’s Center and to purchase tickets for this event, visit the Center’s website at www.stpaulscenter.com. All proceeds will directly benefit the St. Paul’s Center and the women and children empowered through its services.
