Emmanuel House: Serving those most in need in our community

Posted

Responding to the urgent need for additional emergency homeless shelters in December of 2010, Bishop Thomas J. Tobin opened a shelter in a former diocesan day care center to provide a warm place to sleep for those without a home. The shelter is often at capacity each night. The overflow shelter provided an immediate need as the demand for shelter beds exceeded availability.

Through the Catholic Charity Appeal, the diocese covers the costs of insurance, maintenance, heating, electricity and other utilities for Emmanuel House. Shelter guests receive assistance with: Food Stamp applications; shower facilities and hygiene products; access to a clothing room; obtaining health insurance; mental health referrals and recovery support; employment search and resumes; apartment hunting and applications; referrals to the diocesan immigration office; case management services and after care; and the ability to take part in community garden.

“The bishop has just been giving and giving,” said Emmanuel House Homeless Shelter Director Dottie Perreault. “Some winters are harder than others, but he thinks of us on a daily basis. He brought in a smart TV so the guests could watch football and he gave them his patio set to enjoy the garden. Because of the bishop, we don’t have to just rely on state funding. It’s more than just a bed. It is a safe, clean environment. Without him we wouldn’t have this so we are very thankful.”