Blog
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 homelessness. These...
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...
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 person’s illness. Now, I feel the anxiety rise from...
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 not only is it possible, but more Americans than ever are at risk of experiencing financial turmoil and losing their home. In Rensselaer...
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....
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...
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 greater than a community discovering what it cares about." -Meg...
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...
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, name-calling, and...
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...
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...
Stories of Survival: Jamie’s Story
When Jamie recalls her life just a few short years ago, she remembers being a young, impressionable woman who never thought she would find herself in the place that she did. After the man who had vowed to love her for better or for worse slowly began manipulating her trust, beating her down, and taking away...
Highlighting Trauma’s Impact on Homelessness
Homelessness is traumatic. Some people, particularly women, may have histories of trauma, including sexual, psychological, or physical abuse. Most families experiencing homelessness are headed by single women, most with a history of post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and substance use at a rate...
Stories of Survival: Shay’s Story
I was raised by strong women who worked hard and conditioned me to believe that failure was never an option, so I never thought I’d end up in the situation that I did. Despite all the red flags that began popping up throughout my marriage, I stayed. After all, he sold me on a dream of forever, filled with...
#1Thing Can Change a Life – Are YOU In?
This October marks the 30th annual National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Year round, but especially in October, advocates working to end domestic violence mourn victims who have lost their lives, celebrate survivors, and spread awareness about this widespread issue affecting families throughout the...
Housing Project
Welcome to our new Housing Project! We have recently purchased a building and a lot that we will be renovating into supportive housing for homeless families! Most of this project is being funded by New York's Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance's Homeless...
Stories of Survival: Jamie’s Story
When Jamie recalls her life just a few short years ago, she remembers being a young, impressionable woman who never thought she would find herself in the place that she did. After the man who had vowed to love her for better or for worse...
Highlighting Trauma’s Impact on Homelessness
Homelessness is traumatic. Some people, particularly women, may have histories of trauma, including sexual, psychological, or physical abuse. Most families experiencing homelessness are headed by single women, most with a history of post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and substance use at a rate higher than the...