History

Our History: A Legacy of Compassion and Innovation

“Lady, where do you think I’m welcome today?”


This simple yet profound question, asked by a homeless man on a cold winter’s day, sparked the vision for St. Patrick Center. Edith Cunnane, a social worker at DePaul Hospital, was deeply moved by this encounter. “I started going downtown on my day off to find where people were on the street and why,” she recalled. Through these efforts, she realized that no one had developed a comprehensive way to support individuals in St. Louis who had lost everything.

Determined to make a difference, Cunnane shared her concerns with Susan Reese, co-chair of Catholic Charities’ volunteer department. Reese introduced her to Monsignor Robert P. Slattery, executive director of Catholic Charities, who, along with Archbishop John L. May, had been exploring the need for a dedicated social services center. Together, they identified the three-story St. Patrick School at 6th and Biddle as the ideal space to serve the growing needs of the St. Louis community.

On January 17, 1983 — Edith’s 40th birthday — St. Patrick Center, a ministry of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of St. Louis officially opened its doors, providing essential services to individuals experiencing homelessness. The center was formally dedicated on February 10, 1983, quickly becoming a hub of support and innovation.

One of the earliest and most transformative programs developed was the Shamrock Club Day Treatment Program. As one of the first of its kind in the nation, the Shamrock Club remains a cornerstone of St. Patrick Center’s mission. This program set the foundation for a comprehensive approach to addressing the needs of vulnerable individuals, offering mental health treatment, substance use support, and basic needs assistance. It exemplified SPC’s commitment to providing innovative, person-centered care — a commitment that continues to this day.

Part of the Catholic Charities Ministry

As a ministry of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of St. Louis, we share the mission to bring healing, help, and hope to those in need through a compassionate and caring presence.

Expanding Our Mission

Over the past 40 years, St. Patrick Center, a ministry of Catholic Charities has grown from a small initiative to a leader in addressing homelessness in the St. Louis region. What began with free meals and counseling services has evolved into a comprehensive continuum of care, serving thousands of individuals annually. By adopting the Housing First model, SPC ensures that individuals and families move into permanent housing as quickly as possible—without preconditions. Clients then receive case management and access to tailored services, including:

  • Housing programs that provide stability and safety.

  • Health services addressing mental, physical, and behavioral needs.

  • Employment support to help clients achieve financial independence.

  • Basic needs assistance ensuring no one goes without essentials.

In 2017, SPC became the lead agency for the joint City/County Coordinated Entry process, using its Welcome Center as a centralized hub for intake, assessment, and referrals. This collaborative effort minimizes duplication of services and ensures clients receive the most appropriate support.

Innovative Programs and Services

St. Patrick Center continues to be a trailblazer in homelessness services, offering evidence-based practices like trauma-informed care and harm reduction. Our programs include:

  • 160+ Permanent Supportive Housing units for individuals with severe mental illnesses and disabilities.

  • Two Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) programs providing 24/7 care for clients with persistent mental health conditions.

  • The Women’s Night Program, established in 1987, offers shelter and stabilizing services to women with mental health and behavioral health challenges.

  • Long-Term Transformation programs, such as the Shamrock Club, which serve as a critical resource for the local mental health provider community.

For over 40 years, SPC has also been a long-standing food access point in downtown St. Louis, providing up to 200 fresh meals daily, prepared by volunteers from over 140 community groups and companies.

A Vision for the Future

St. Patrick Center remains committed to ending chronic homelessness in St. Louis. Guided by the Housing First philosophy, we believe that healing follows housing and that meeting individuals where they are is essential for overcoming barriers to stability.

In FY23 alone, we provided 75,070 services, including housing programs, shelter services, workforce development, outreach, occupational therapy, and mental health/substance use support. Our ultimate vision is clear: to bring the number of individuals and families experiencing homelessness in St. Louis to zero.

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