Blog
New Senior Housing Project
St. Paul’s Center is excited to announce the expansion of our housing service menu to include 3 Cerone Commercial Drive in Colonie. This building will be rehabbed to feature a supportive housing program that features 16 one-bedroom units for seniors, age 55+, who would otherwise be homeless. The community room will house workshops that...
Lessons Learned from Running
I began running competitively when I was in 7th grade. Since then I’ve run countless races, coached youth long jump, and spent many years running just for fun. As with anything that we do for so many years, we take for granted the lessons that we learned as beginners. Over the past several months I often leave from...
February 2022 Newsletter
In our February newsletter we acknowledge local school children who are making a difference, learn about our Women’s Empowerment program, and share exciting news about 2022 event, “For the Love of Bags and Bling”.
The Story of How our Community Created a Chain Reaction.
For many Americans, owning and riding a bike is one of our fondest childhood memories. We recall countless stories of summer rides with friends, riding until we were so hot and tired that we dropped onto the cool grass under a tree for some shade, waiting for the dulcet tones of the ice cream truck to swing down the...
Spring 2021 E-Newsletter
Executive Director's Report Raising the Nation's Youth Out of Poverty Research has long demonstrated the interconnectedness of homelessness and poor school performance; now, we’ve seen another factor added to the mix ― COVID-19. We know that for...
Volunteer Spotlight: Fuerza Latina
Like many other nonprofits around the Country, our volunteer programs were forced to shift as a result of the public health crisis. We're so thankful to volunteer groups like UAlbany's Fuerza Latina who have continued to reach out and provide support to our families throughout these uncertain...
Faces of Homelessness: The Davis’ Story
When COVID-19 began spreading early last year, we knew that the families we serve would be among those hit hardest. Unfortunately, we were right, and in a time when we should be pulling together, landlords across the Capital Region continue to illegally evict and force out tenants by refusing to maintain their units. The Davis' have witnessed this callousness firsthand when their landlord...
Call to Action: Advocate for Local Families in Need
Throughout my time serving as Board President, it has become my personal mission to advocate for families experiencing homelessness across Rensselaer County; however, this was not always the case. It was only when I became involved with St. Paul’s Center that I started to truly understand what it means to experience...
A Day in the Life: Jason Chaplin, Housing Stability Advocate
It’s safe to say that nonprofit professionals across sectors have seen their day-to-day change as a result of the spread of COVID-19. Things are no different here at St. Paul’s Center as our Housing Stability Advocates, who work with families living in community-based housing programs, face new challenges we couldn’t have...
Volunteer Spotlight: Cindy Harrington
Like many of our housing programs, our volunteer programs have been forced to adapt as a result of the spread of COVID-19. To ensure the health and safety of our staff, volunteers, and the families we served many of these programs have been suspended, but that hasn’t stopped Cindy, one of our...
Homelessness in America: Racial Inequities and the Black Community
We know that most racial minority groups experience homelessness disproportionately to their white counterparts; however, the Black community is particularly affected by this disparity.¹ Nationwide, while only 13% of people are Black, this community makes up a shocking 40% of the homeless population at any...
Summer E-Newsletter
Executive Director's Report These are crazy times we’re in and it’s forced me to take a good look at myself. Like many others, the spread of COVID-19 has brought out the clean freak in me - although you wouldn’t realize it looking at my office. In the past, germs never really bothered me nor did another...
The Silent Effects of Distance Learning on Homeless Youth
With all New York State schools closed for the remainder of the academic year, families across the State are adjusting to distance learning. Nevertheless, students experiencing homelessness who often lack access to a computer, reliable internet, or even a quiet space to study are working to overcome more...
Spring 2020 Newsletter
Executive Director's Report The Financial Reality for Families Across America It’s easy to dismiss the challenges that face families experiencing homelessness by assuming it won’t ever happen to you or your family; however, new reports show that not only is it possible, but more Americans than ever are at...
Affordable Housing is Headed Your Way | Lee Dyer Family Apartments Virtual Tour
After years of hard work, sweat, and a few tears, renovations are finally coming to a close on our new Lee Dyer Family Apartments. The first of two buildings located in downtown Rensselaer will provide permanent supportive housing to four families with a history of homelessness. In addition to stable...
Volunteer Spotlight | Carley Starr
When Carley comes in for her volunteer shift each week, it's exciting to see how much the kids' faces light up - especially because Carley's arrival means its homework time at the Center. As a Homework Helper, Carley provides the one-on-one attention many homeless children crave, all while helping students...