Saint Mary’s Franciscan Shelter in Phoenixville has proudly unveiled plans for the construction of new transitional apartments, slated for completion in early 2021.
Since 1987, Saint Mary’s Franciscan Shelter, located on Emmett Street in Phoenixville, has rendered compassionate assistance and emergency housing for countless Chester County families in need. What began as an effort by two Sisters of Saint Francis with a desire to help the homeless in the community, has grown into an invaluable non-profit organization. For 33 years, Saint Mary’s Shelter has continuously sought innovative ways to help displaced families find stability and move toward independence. Through the generous support of the local community, Saint Mary’s has empowered a multitude of families move from crisis to independence.
Since its inception, Saint Mary’s Shelter has housed over 700 families, yet its goal has always been to serve more. The current shelter, which serves as an emergency venue, is able to house five families at a time in the original convent building. Each family has a private bedroom, shared dining room, living room and recreation room as well as three shared bathrooms. When families arrive at the shelter, they engage in an eight-week program involving case management, finding jobs and getting their children into daycare. This can often be extended to a 12-week time period if the family is making progress but requires some additional time to get on their feet and find housing.
The new plan involves converting the attached former school building, consisting of a large basement and four large classrooms, into four separate apartments, each with a kitchen, bathroom, living room and two bedrooms. A shared laundry facility, storage area and handicap access will also be incorporated. If families are successful in making progress in the eight-week program, they will be offered a spot in the apartments if one is available. Families residing in the apartments will have the advantage of living independently while paying a minimal program fee for one year to 18 months.
“Sometimes when families come here, we are only giving them a breather, to get their bearings and get focused and move on to the next step,” noted Executive Director Sr. Bernadette Dougherty. “It’s very challenging, and eight weeks can go by very quickly. One of the things we make sure of is that they have the support around them so that they can move on to the next part of their journey. This new housing community will allow us to help these families progress from an emergency situation into transitional housing, which will ultimately equip them to get back on their feet.”
Plans for the transitional housing have been underway for several years. In anticipation of the project, the former gymnasium and original school building, which have remained empty since 1987, were dismantled and replaced with a pathway and garden for families to utilize. The board then hired Tom Carnevale of Carnevale Eustis Architects, Inc. of Phoenixville to design the renovation of the former school building.
According to Board Representative Steven Niggeman, funds have been appropriated and permits for the project have been procured from the Phoenixville Borough. Hollenbach Construction Company of Boyertown has been selected as the contractor and construction began on the first of July and is on schedule to be completed as planned on December 31, 2020. “The beauty is that we had the four units already perfectly set up, size-wise, for apartments,” he said. “We had the physical structure in place, we just needed to move forward with the renovation. When the project is completed, it will double the population that we are able to serve here.” In spite of the 2020 pandemic, we have been able to stay on track and make this dream a reality.
“Those who are able to live in the transitional housing will be so graced to be there,” adds Sr. Bernadette. “Community living is often challenging, and this venue will give families time to settle as they move forward. This is such a beautiful place – the neighborhood is beautiful; the property is beautiful and the building itself is lovely. It’s just a happy place to be. One child who stayed here couldn’t wait for the school bus to come every day so the other kids could see where he lived. We want these kids to feel pride in their environment. If they see this, it’s a great learning experience. They realize they can replicate it elsewhere.”
For more information on Saint Mary’s Franciscan Shelter, visit their website: www.stmarysfs.org or contact Sr Bernadette Dougherty at 610-933-3097.
