Washington St. shelter marks one year of changing lives
St. Vincent de Paul’s 200-bed shelter discreetly tucked away on the corner of Washington and 28th streets marks its one-year anniversary this month and is celebrating its success as a pipeline to housing.
In the past year, the shelter and rehousing program has served more than 1,000 unhoused individuals, 700 of whom have moved out to more positive housing, including 125 move outs to permanent housing.
“While we may only have 200 beds at a time, as each person transitions to housing, a spot opens to invite a new resident to start their journey toward stability and home,” says SVdP Shelter Program Manager Jennifer Morgan.
The Washington St. shelter opened in collaboration with Community Bridges, Inc., From the Ground Up, the city of Phoenix and Maricopa County, with a vision of providing emergency heat relief, a safe space, intensive engagement, and an achievable path to housing.
With a closed campus, shelter residents must be referred into the program by partner agencies and agree to participate in services to reintegrate them into the community and resolve their homelessness. Once enrolled, residents receive comprehensive wraparound case management, substance abuse and mental health support, meals, dignified temporary room and board, fresh clothing and laundry services, and connections to jobs and housing.
Additionally, the good neighbor agreement struck between SVdP, government partners and the neighboring businesses continues in good standing—an additional source of pride for Washington St.
“It brings us great joy to see this shelter have such an incredible and positive impact on the lives of so many people, while still remaining good stewards to the businesses and residents of the surrounding area,” says Shannon Clancy, SVdP’s Rob & Melani Walton Endowed CEO.
The shelter is officially funded through 2025 and will continue its efforts to save unsheltered individuals from the dangers of the streets.
“Our staff is pouring its heart and soul into not only having a successful program, but a thriving one that’s saving lives and building a better community,” says SVdP Chief Program Officer Jessica Berg. “It’s a great privilege and responsibility.”
Washington St. shelter operates 24/7 and employs a closed campus, meaning there are no walk-ups as each bed belongs to a referred and enrolled resident until they transition into housing.
