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Jeff: ‘I may be homeless, but I have a lot of goals’

“My name is Jeff. I am a 61-year-old male from Owensboro, Kentucky.

“I am living at St. Benedict’s because I became homeless.

“I am currently divorced and have three grown children. The greatest moment of my life was when my children were born.

“One thing about me that I want people to know is I can be a friend if they need or want someone to talk to.

“The shelter has been a really good experience for me. The staff has been good to me. They provide good food and a safe atmosphere to live in.

“I may be homeless, but I have a lot of goals that I am planning to accomplish. I am currently studying to take the work keys test to be able to apply to Swedish Match. My goals are to get the job at Swedish Match, save enough money to move into a house through a well-known realty company, get a vehicle, and to get a dog.”

Leon: ‘I have a kind heart’

“I am a 39-year-old black male from Owensboro, Kentucky. I am divorced from a five-year marriage and have four children.

“I am a brother to two wonderful sisters and work a full-time job. I have become homeless because I put the care of my children above myself.

“Even though I haven’t been in my children’s life like I should, I still must say that my babies are my sole reason for life. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t feel my children’s pain, joy, tears, or love for their father. For that reason alone, they will always be my greatest life. 

“I want people to know that I have a kind heart, that I treat everyone with respect.

“Know that I am a man who works hard for what I want and need. I struggle like everyone else, but I get up every morning and put one foot in front of the other, even when I just want to give up.

“Staying here at St. Benedict’s has been trying but overall great. The best part is this place has a great group of men and women willing to listen and help anytime you need them.

“They push you — in a good way — to help you see what is keeping you from moving forward and willing to help you change it. If they can’t help, they get you to the people or organization that can. For me, the hardest thing was knowing that I was keeping myself from my happiness. 

“I have several goals in life here are just a few:

  1. Thank God everyday for giving me life. 
  2. Smile everyday
  3. Be a better father everyday.
  4. Become and stay stable for my babies and myself.

“I really just want to stay the humble man I have become and truly be happy.”

Sam: ‘I really don’t know where I would be … without St. Benedict’s Shelter!’

“My name is Sam. I am a 57-year-old male from Owensboro, Kentucky. I am currently divorced but a father to a beautiful daughter and grandfather to five grandchildren.

“I’m currently seeking employment, with several prospects but nothing promising.

“I am also an addict of substance use, which resulted in my divorce and a contributing factor to my situation of  homelessness. However, I have been sober for about seven months, which means I haven’t had a drink or drug since. 

“At the highest point in my life, I had my own car dealership. I was living the dream or my dream at the time. That was then, now my greatest life or dream would be simple one. I just want to have a peaceful, sober, quiet life.

“A life filled with time with my daughter and grandchildren. I am getting too old and tired to chase dreams, but I am wiling to work for that dream life of family and quality time with them. I want people to know that I am a really good guy and I care about people. I served my country faithfully in the military and still try to serve people in my country and community. 

“Staying at St. Benedict’s has been really good. It’s been an enlightening experience, and the staff/volunteers are so compassionate and caring.

“The worst part of being in a shelter is me trying figure out how I obtain my new life. Things just don’t seem to be visible when staying in a shelter.

“However, I know that time, work, and faith will always produce an outcome, but seeing that isn’t easy.

“My goal is to be working within a few weeks and to have my own place in a few months. I await that day when I will be completely happy and free living my new life. A nice relationship with a pretty young woman to share my life with wouldn’t be too bad either. 

“I really don’t know where I would be or what life would look like without St. Benedict’s Shelter!”

~Sam~

Chris: ‘I am truly blessed to be here … ‘

Visitors and guests see and hear many things when they open the door at St. Benedict’s men’s shelter. Those sights and sounds differ with each visit, but one message prevails.  Our facility is filled with love, compassion, dignity, integrity, and unity. 

Showing care and concern for those who are the most vulnerable among us are cornerstones of our mission. At St. Benedict’s, everyone is equal, regardless of economic or social status.  

Here is an example of the type of devotion and care residents can expect when they enter St. Benedict’s:

One January night during a house meeting the discussion turned to the morale in our facility.

In a facility like St. Benedict’s, it takes courage to speak out among peers. Our men often feel judged and criticized, so voicing an opinion often requires uncommon boldness.

Chris, a resident at the time, stated, “I have been a lot of places here and there and have also been to a lot of big cities, but never have I experienced the morale that this facility has. The men are respectful to one another, they pull together, and they walk together. The volunteers, the staff, and those who serve are all so generous and compassionate. I am truly blessed to be here and appreciate everyone who comes through that door.”

We were so thankful Chris experienced the true spirit of St. Benedict’s.

The care and camaraderie — shared among residents, volunteers, staff, board members, donors, and our community members — comes first and foremost.

We are a family, a fellowship. We truly want the best outcome for every person who walks in our door.

If you serve, volunteer, donate, or work for St. Benedict’s, God bless you, and be reminded that you are part of something so much bigger than the eye can see.  You are living out a purpose — and giving purpose to the lives of others.

Thank you!

#givingtuesday

This #givingtuesday we hope that you remember those without homes, warm beds, food, and companionship!

St. Benedict’s works to ensure the most vulnerable among us — those without homes — are remembered and taken care of. Your funds, donations, and other forms of support are appreciated and are used to maximize the services provided to each man we encounter.

https://stbenedictsowensboro.org/donate/

Thank you for giving to us!

Sponsor a bed

St. Benedict’s Shelter is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization devoted to making a difference in the community. We provide the highest quality programs that benefit our clients. We do this through our Bed Sponsorship Program.

Widespread community support is vital at St. Benedict’s because 90% of the nonprofit’s revenue comes from donations.

We ask you to consider sponsoring a bed for only $1.34 per day. This bed sponsorship is $500 for a whole year.

We offer a credit and debit recurring payment option of $41.66 per month.

Funds from the campaign are used to expand or enhance existing programs, provide case management, and promote self-sufficiency.

Your donation will be acknowledged on a plaque in our facility.

Our organization relies on support from generous donors such as you. Your donation will help ensure the success of our future.

We thank you for your considering a donation and look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sponsor a bed

Bed sponsor statistics

Because of our bed sponsors, supporters, contributors, and volunteers, we serve more than 500 men a year at the shelter. They receive a warm bed, nutritious meals, counseling, and many other services free of charge.

2017 statistics

  • Permanent Housing: 61 men
  • Substance abuse treatment: 73 men
  • Transitional Living: 26 men
  • Veterans Served: 16 men
  • IDs, Birth Records, Bus Tickets, Utilities, Deposits Paid: 82 men

This is the power of God working through our community, donors, supporters, and volunteers. Thank you and God bless you!