St. John Center provides lifeline for Louisville’s houseless population

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- For nearly four decades, the St. John Center has been a refuge for Louisville's houseless community, providing resources and support to those in need. Located in a historic church at 7th Street and Muhammad Ali Boulevard, the center offers a safe space for individuals to overcome barriers and build stability.

The St. John Center's mission is rooted in the principle of "housing first," Executive Director Ra'Shann Martin said Monday.

"The best way we can promote human dignity is to help people get stability," she said.

In addition to addressing immediate needs like warmth and shelter, the center provides essential services, including hats, gloves, hygiene items, blankets and mail services. Visitors can also access Wi-Fi, phone charging stations and partner organizations like the VA and Legal Aid Society for assistance with food stamps, disability applications, and rental assistance.

"Some mornings, it feels like Times Square with people coming in to access what they need," Martin said.

The center also offers counseling and encouragement, with spaces like a coffee room, laundry area and a busy mailroom providing critical support.

"These people here care," said Todd Holland, who has benefited from the center's housing assistance and drug counseling programs.

Smith, a South Bend native and visitor to the center, said the center helped him reconnect with loved ones.

"They treat me like a person, not somebody beneath them like most people in this city," Smith said. "... They reached out to some people for me to help get some aid in getting back home."

Looking ahead, the St. John Center plans to open a new housing complex in Louisville's Newburg community this spring. The facility will feature 80 one-bedroom units, furthering its commitment to giving individuals the stability they need to rebuild their lives.

The center continues to rely on community support and is in constant need of blankets, hygiene products, socks and volunteers.