2024-25 Annual Appeal
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Our Mission
For All of Us
The mission of the Center for Respite Care is to provide quality, holistic medical care to people experiencing homelessness who need a safe place to heal, while assisting them in breaking the cycle of homelessness.
Our Core Values
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In Fiscal Year 2023-24
Clients served (unduplicated)
Bed Nights
Hours of Service
Community Resource Connections
Opinion Published Pieces
Our goal is to reach one cohort: those who need us most. Collectively we feed, treat, clothe and care for people. Read More ›
These people have been my saving grace and backbone while at the center. They have taught me to hold patience in one hand and humility in the other. Read More ›
Lives We’ve Touched
We Have the Power to Impact Our Future, and We’re Doing Something About It
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Collectively we feed, treat, clothe, and care for people. While we were founded 21 years ago, it has been the move to our current location — the Saint Anthony Center (SAC) — that has enabled essential growth and world-class facilities for our clients.
We are the only organization in Southwest Ohio to care for adults experiencing homelessness who are ill — without a place to recover.
The Franciscan Friars — a brave organization —were instrumental in our move into the SAC. They stand for social justice and serve the most impoverished. They made this space available in the heart of Over-the-Rhine. While there is much talk about gentrification in our community, we solidly sit in the middle of development and serve those who need us most.
The Friars have created a multi-century legacy of caring for the most challenged people in the communities in which they work and live. Their commitment to St. Francis endures:
“He preached peace in an era when life without war was unthinkable. He embraced the poor while others treated them with scorn. And he allied himself with nature centuries before humanity understood its connection to every living thing.”
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The Center for Respite Care
The Center for Respite Care (the Center) is a 24-hour facility providing medical and nursing care to sick people experiencing homelessness to promote effective healing. Clients receive quality medical care and assistance in breaking the cycle of homelessness. Since opening in 2003, the Center has cared for over 1,800 sick and injured people who are homeless.
Medical Needs of People Experiencing Homelessness
Substandard living conditions, inadequate nutrition, extreme weather and limited healthcare inevitably lead to serious health conditions. Shelters and homeless treatment programs are simply unable to accommodate clients recovering from surgery or those with acute health conditions. Also, area hospitals cannot provide extended post-treatment care to homeless patients. Therefore, people who experiencing homelessness have a high rate of unresolved health conditions or complications which lead to repeat emergency room visits and hospital stays due to improper healing, at a tremendous cost to local hospitals and our community.
Closing the Gap: Homeless Health Services
The collaborative efforts of many health care and homeless service providers allow The Center to be an important link in the transition for many people. Illness or injury does not have to disrupt a person’s progress toward self-sufficiency. By offering appropriate care and referral of patients to post-recovery treatment and/or housing, The Center is an important bridge enabling people without homes to begin or continue the path to independent living in permanent housing.
Latest News
Music for the holidays: The Chertock Family and Friends
December 18 at 7:00 pm at the Sycamore Presbyterian Church
2022-2023 Annual Report
2023 Transformation Awards
The Transformation Awards 2023 will drop virtually on September 14, 2023.
The Center’s Words
We are thankful — for those who show us how it’s done
Recently, our field lost one of our best. Dr. Janelle Goetchus was the first to envision and execute — as she founded the nation’s oldest facility...
Join us for the 2024-25 Annual Appeal and a holiday concert benefitting the Center for Respite Care
With the holiday season upon us and the cold temperatures underway — life is even more difficult for people experiencing homelessness. The Center...
Laurel Nelson and the National Agenda
The Center for Respite Care works with organizations like ours nationwide. Together, we learn best practices, share stories, and offer solutions. We...
Get Involved
Over 1000 individuals, churches, foundations, businesses, and other civic groups have given money, goods, or volunteer service since we opened our doors. We operate with government funds, grants, support from area hospitals and generous gifts from corporations and individuals. This, combined with volunteerism, ensures that we can continue to grow our impact.
Volunteer
The Center for Respite Care enjoys the support of volunteers in carrying out its mission.
Wish List
Providing comfortable clothing for rest and medical recovery is an ongoing need, as are toiletries.
Donate
We would not be able to pursue our mission without all of the generous support we have received from this amazing community.
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Upcoming Events
18
December
Music for the holidays: The Chertock Family and Friends
December 18 at 7:00 pm at the Sycamore Presbyterian Church (www.sycamorechurch.org)