Click Here to See Highlights from the Event
This August, our team stood alongside Vincent Village, Inc., project partners, and community representatives to break ground on a new homeless shelter.
“We are laying the foundation for brigher futures, stronger families. This shelter represents an $18M investment but we are just not breaking ground on a new shelter, we’re breaking ground on human potential.” – Rohli Booker, Director of Mission Advancement, Vincent Village, Inc. and Fort Wayne City Council Member
This project, which is part of a larger campaign to revitalize the southeast section of the city, was made possible through generous donations and an open network of support from the surrounding Fort Wayne community. It is a key turning point for the nonprofit organization, which has operated since 1989 with a mission to create pathways for families in need, facilitating a transition from a state of crisis to long-term stability.
Building New Opportunities
Planned by MartinRiley Architects and developed by Weigand Construction, the new transitional shelter will greatly expand the operational capacity of Vincent Village’s programming with features such as:
- 13 Bedrooms
- Kitchen
- Laundry Room
- Multi-Use Youth Services Room
“Currently, our shelter’s 10 rooms. There’s only two bathrooms in the current shelter, so all the families share those bathrooms. In the new shelter, each room will have its own bathroom, building dignity and support.” – Rob Haworth, Executive Director, Vincent Village, Inc.
This facility will create a greater sense of ownership and privacy for families who are receiving care through the organization, providing spaces where they can recover and as they proactively take steps towards a new beginning. The project also involves demolition of some existing structures on Vincent Village propery, including the removal of the historic St. Hyacinth Church, which was the original home of Vincent Village 36 years ago.
A New Chapter
This event was more than groundbreaking, it was a milestone marking a new story of hope for families throughout the southeast region of Fort Wayne, Indiana. We are excited to work alongside Vincent Village and MartinRiley in helping bring the vision of this new shelter to life.
