Blog
Turning Dreams of Equality into Reality
August 26, 2022 is the anniversary of the certification of the 19th amendment which guarantees women the right to vote. In recent years August 26th has been celebrated as National Women’s Equality Day. For women experiencing homelessness, equality is a distant dream, as health disparities, financial inequality, access to quality...
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”.
Bridges: From Homelessness to Stability
Ten years ago St. Paul's Center noticed a concerning trend that a significant number of families who left the shelter returned to homelessness within one to two months of leaving the Center. This alarming trend resulted in the creation of the Bridges program. This program allows families to work with our Housing Stability Advocate, Jason, for up to one...
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 children to be able to focus and do well in school, their basic needs must be met. For those living in poverty, meeting these needs are rarely...
Winter 2021 E-Newsletter
Executive Director's Report Housing and health have always been intimately linked– but never has that been more apparent than during the COVID-19 pandemic. At a time when key prevention measures are to stay home, wear a mask, and practice good hygiene, almost 600,000 men, women and children are experiencing...
Volunteer Spotlight: Stacey Spilman
With the effects of the pandemic hitting persons experiencing homelessness particularly hard, our support services have become more important than ever. Nonetheless, we’ve had to get creative and pivot many of our volunteer programs to the virtual...
A Day in the Life: Davida Cancer, Housing Stability Advocate
With the launch of our new Lee Dyer Family Apartments Program, we’ve brought Davida Cancer on staff to provide support and case management services to all participating parents and youth. In her new role, Davida has quickly learned just how important these services can be for a family working to...
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 homelessness. While the stigma surrounding homelessness often suggests that...
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 obstacles than ever...
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 risk of experiencing...
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...
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...
Improving Outcomes: Using Social Determinants of Health to Address Healthcare Disparities
In recent years, health care disparities have become an important issue facing individuals and families across the United States. Historically, funding has focused on the development of technological advances to improve health outcomes for Americans; however, there has been much less focus on increasing...
What Living in Poverty Means in the Wake of COVID-19
With cases of COVID-19 continuing to rise and well over 120,000 confirmed cases in New York State alone, making up roughly half of all cases in the United States, public health officials continue to recommend social distancing in order to slow the spread of the virus. While older adults and individuals with...
A Conversation with Kristen Kopper, Director of I Am a Warrior: Women and Housing Injustice
Earlier this month our staff was able to sit down with Kristen Kopper, director and producer of I Am a Warrior: Women and Housing Injustice, to chat about her documentary and the housing crisis facing individuals and families across the country. Here's what we learned:For those who might not know, tell me a...
Black History Month | Remembering Dorothy Height
This February marks the 50th celebration of Black History Month in the United States, recognizing the important roles and vast achievements of African Americans throughout our history. This year, we recognize the momentous work of Dorothy Height, remembered by many as the Godmother of the Civil Rights...
Winter Newsletter
Letter from Executive Director Tracy Pitcher Happy new year, all! I truly hope that you're able to carve out a few minutes to read the featured stories. If you do, I know you'll consider your time well spent. But, before you dive in, I will share a quote that captures the underlying theme well: "There is no...