The Franciscan Center for Urban Ministry and Mercy Housing and Shelter Corporation share a common vision to respond to the needs of those who are homeless providing food, housing and support services in an atmosphere that respects every person.  Catherine’s Place is the result of the partnership between the Franciscan Center for Urban Ministry and Mercy Housing and Shelter Corporation.

Catherine’s Place began as a “No Freeze” program in December 2004.  Mercy Housing and Shelter Corporation provided trained staff and the Franciscan Center for Urban Ministr, Inc. provided secure, warm housing, a nourishing supper and volunteers to provide the meal.  Because of monetary generosity and in-kind donations of food, on-site necessities, and volunteers, Catherine’s Place remained open until April 1, 2005 - one month longer than other no –freeze programs.

In November 2005 Catherine’s Place re-opened as a transitional home for women in recovery.  Mercy Housing and Shelter Corporation provides staffing 24 hours per day, 7 days per week conducted year-round. The unique collaboration of these two agencies benefits the residents by providing all food, utilities, space, volunteers and activities from the Franciscan Center for Urban Ministry, Inc. while Mercy Housing and Shelter Corporation provides trained recovery specialist staff who are on-site at all times.  Housing is offered for 16 women for as long as three months – as they work on regaining skills for independent living.  While residing at Catherine’s Place, a resident meets with her case manager regularly and works on connecting with other support service agencies.
Funding for Catherine’s Place is secured by Mercy Housing and Shelter Corporation and the Franciscan Center for Urban Ministry, Inc.  The staffing of Catherine’s Place is funded by the State of Connecticut Department of Mental Health Services, Department of Social Services and grants.  Franciscan Center for Urban Ministry, Inc. expenses are met by in-kind donations from the St. Patrick – St. Anthony Church community and monetary support from The Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, The William and Alice Mortensen Foundation, The St Paul Travelers Connecticut Foundation and the Benevolence Trust of the Franciscan Friars of Holy Name Province as well as the generosity of individual donors.

Volunteering at Catherine’s Place

The volunteers are an integral part of Catherine’s Place and the opportunities are many!  Currently, Volunteers assist in the mornings by joining residents in the “big room” where coffee, breakfast and conversation are available.   By 8am the volunteer leaves and the residents begin their day.  Some individuals come to Catherine’s Place later in the morning to assist with resume writing, job searching, and more!

Volunteers who join us in the afternoons offer computer classes, cooking classes and many other activities. Every supper meal is prepared and served by volunteers.  Some provide supper, some serve the meal and some volunteers do both.   During the evenings knitting is offered along with yoga and special activities such as Board Games” night. 

Many members of the St Patrick- St Anthony Church and the Franciscan Center for Urban Ministry, Inc. community are involved in some way with Catherine’s Place.  Support comes with generous financial donations (for maintenance, utilities and general upkeep) and “the staples” such as sugar, cereal, napkins to name a few.  Many also support the work by providing an entire meal on a regular basis.  Several families work together to prepare a meal or come and serve a meal or accomplish both!  Members of the community who arrive at Catherine’s Place early in the morning  have coffee and conversation with the residents about their plans for the day, or preparation for a job interview.  The Women of Hope Ministry sponsors a “games night” where the residents and ministers gather for dessert and board games.  Members of the confirmation class plan prepare and serve dinners during the school year.  The Wellness Center on Church Street , our partnership with Saint Joseph College, works with Catherine’s Place offering counseling and social work groups, nursing assessment, evaluation and referral and nutritional counseling.  The residents of Catherine’s Place also participate in different activities such as knitting, job application practice, budgeting and shopping from sales circulars, cooking and yoga just to name a few.

We have ministries of the parish and Urban Center that offer their time and talent, families, friends who enjoy cooking together, and friends who meet at Catherine’s Place.

                              The only opportunities not offered are the ones that have not yet been considered!

Anyone interested in helping with Catherine’s Place must go through orientation that includes and an initial meeting and tour.  We would love to have you join us!