Dear Friends of St. John’s Homeless Shelter,
The leadership, trustees, and directors of St. John the Evangelist Homeless Shelter, Inc. (SJEHS) and the Diocese of Green Bay, continue to look toward the future together. We are connecting with you, because today – July 1, 2019 – St. John the Evangelist Homeless Shelter becomes a nonprofit of their own with a self-sustaining governance model. SJEHS and the Diocese have been walking hand-in-hand on this journey and will continue to carry on good works for our homeless brothers and sisters, embodying the mission of Jesus by caring for those in greatest need in our community.
“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 1:6
SJEHS has developed into an agency that is self-sustaining and thrives across three locations. The decision for SJEHS to become an independent nonprofit was made with a unanimous vote of support and confidence. The growth of St. John the Evangelist Homeless Shelter, The Micah Center and Wellspring over the past 14 years, has been much like a child who has been nurtured to adulthood, and the Diocese and SJEHS are very happy to be united at this momentous time.
SJEHS is forever grateful for the support over the years of individuals and departments within the Diocese and St. John the Evangelist Parish, where the shelter will continue to be located. Because of this strong partnership, the SJEHS Board of Directors is pleased that Bishop David Ricken will appoint a diocesan representative to its membership, which creates a lasting relationship that honors the rich history of the Diocese of Green Bay being an advocate and supporter of SJEHS.
The history of SJEHS is not one of a single leader but of a community of people united in Christ to serve our most vulnerable brothers and sisters. Truly, the community owns St. John’s. The faithful people who created the shelter and fostered growth over the years fully embodied Mark 12:31’s call to “Love your neighbor as yourself.” The St. John’s family began as a community of Catholics and has blossomed into a place where people of all faiths are united, creating a strong ecumenical response to the needs of those experiencing homelessness in our community.
Today, SJEHS is a thriving and indispensable member of the community, bringing a voice to those who may be voiceless and creating lasting, positive change across the greater Green Bay area. We are thankful that you are part of the St. John’s family, and we look forward to the future together.
Sincerely,
