First $1,500 matched to St. John Center!

Dear Friend,

For 40 years, St. John Center has been there.

Through changing times, growing needs, bitterly cold nights and unbearably hot days, St. John Center has continued to open our doors, walk the streets, build relationships, and help people experiencing homelessness find their way home.

Because you supported St. John Center through Give for Good Louisville in the past, you helped make it possible for someone to take a shower, receive a clean pair of socks, replace an ID, connect with a caring staff member, find support on the street, or finally receive the keys to a home of their own.

This past year St. John Center open a first in Kentucky: a permanent supportive housing apartment for 76 people.  I proudly served on St. John Center Board for the last 5 years.  Please join me in giving as we celebrate 40 years of serving our community.

Mark

Bonus Content - History of St. John Center

St. John Catholic Parish was formally established in September of 1855 in a small chapel on Jefferson Street just weeks after the “Bloody Monday” riots that targeted Irish and German Catholic immigrants in the east side of Louisville’s downtown.  The new church was a place of refuge and community for primarily Irish immigrants in the neighborhood. 

After the parish closed in 1985, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese leased the unused church building to the local Coalition for the Homeless for $1.00 per year, and local contractors donated renovation services before it opened in spring 1986.

April 14, 1986.  St. John Center opened our big front doors for the first time.  Sister Mary Kathleen Sheehan, SCN, was there to greet our guests. She set the tone for compassion, integrity, professionalism, and order from the very first day.  Sister Pat Worley, SCN, joined her a few months later and reinforced those same values.

SJC has grown to offer three programs: Day Shelter and Social Services Center, Supportive Housing, and Street Outreach.