Blog
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 street. We reminisce...
Women’s Empowerment Program: Using Empowerment as a Catalyst for Long-Term Housing Success
At St. Paul's Center we're proud to provide more than just shelter to the mothers and children we serve. Through our work with families experiencing homelessness we've seen just how impactful holistic support services can be in fostering a family's long-term...
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 build a sustainable future free from homelessness. In this...
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 anticipated. To figure out just how the pandemic is affecting...
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...
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...
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 continue learning as they work to achieve their academic goals. It's easy for children and...
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 power for change...
St. Paul’s Center Goes Green: Reducing Energy Insecurity through Solar Power
With the affordable housing stock in the region continuing to shrink at rapid rates, families staying in our emergency shelter have had an increasingly difficult time finding apartments they can afford. Unfortunately, this is not a problem only being faced by the families we see coming through our doors; each year a shocking...
Volunteer Spotlight | Makaila Maier
At only 17 years old, Makaila Maier has already given so much to the families we serve at St. Paul’s Center. She was first introduced to us through a Board Member whose husband serves on the School District’s Board of Education where Makaila participates as a student representative. At the time,...
Faces of Homelessness: Camilla’s Story
Camilla came to St. Paul's Center earlier this year, pregnant with her first child after fleeing domestic violence. Although Camilla couldn't work as a result of a disabling condition, our staff was able to secure $807 per month in income made up of benefits Camilla didn't know she qualified for through...
The Widespread Effects of Homelessness in Childhood
On a single night in the U.S. in 2018, more than 100,000 children were estimated to be homeless. On a cold January 2019 night in the three counties making up the Capital Region, there were 229 homeless children in families and another 45 who were unaccompanied. But that's not the whole picture. Those...
Volunteer Spotlight | Ginny O’Brien
At St. Paul’s Center, our dedicated volunteers are the backbone of our organization; donating their precious, and often limited, free time to give back to our community in a meaningful way. We are truly grateful for the homework helpers, sheltered hearts sitters, cooking instructors, and board members who...
Faces of Homelessness: Jeremiah’s Story
When Jeremiah came to St. Paul’s Center with his mother and two younger siblings it was clear that he needed our help. Somber and withdrawn, our staff knew that at only seven years old, Jeremiah was struggling to cope with the trauma he’d experienced throughout his childhood. After years of manipulation,...
Make a Difference this November | Homeless Youth Awareness Month
In 2007, November was first declared National Homeless Youth Awareness month. Since then, advocates take this time to spread awareness about the severity and long-term impacts of this widespread issue for youth and families. For many people, it’s difficult to imagine a child experiencing homelessness in the...
Stories of Survival: Shana’s Story
My name is Shana W. Gourdine and I am a three year survivor of domestic violence and abuse. This story begins in August of 2011, when my children’s father first put his hands on me. At the time, I was six months pregnant with my second daughter and terrified for my own life as well as that of my unborn...
The Widespread Effects of Homelessness in Childhood
On a single night in the U.S. in 2018, more than 100,000 children were estimated to be homeless. On a cold January 2019 night in the three counties making up the Capital Region, there were 229 homeless children in families and another 45...
Volunteer Spotlight | Ginny O’Brien
At St. Paul’s Center, our dedicated volunteers are the backbone of our organization; donating their precious, and often limited, free time to give back to our community in a meaningful way. We are truly grateful for the homework helpers, sheltered hearts sitters, cooking instructors, and board members who have made a...