Shelter / Housing
The original Bishop Ott Shelter opened in December of 1991. This program serves homeless men at its Plank Road location. In 1997, the Society opened the Bishop Ott Shelter on Convention St. At both these shelters, we offer more than just a bed and a meal. We help the homeless find employment, improve their education, receive substance abuse treatment and get back on their feet.
Our philosophy is to give a hand-up, not a hand-out - to offer homeless individuals an opportunity to get their lives back on track. We treat every homeless guest with dignity and respect. We realize that each individual has different problems and needs, and we work with them to address those problems.
We offer programs that assist with goal setting and job searches. Many of the things that most of us take for granted, things like a good night's sleep, a shower, or a washer and dryer, are essential when seeking employment. Through our shelter program, we also provide work boots, and dental services. Once our homeless guests obtain employment, we work closely with them to ensure that they save a portion of their income. We work diligently to assist each homeless person in their efforts to attain self-sufficiency.
In addition to our night shelters for men, we have a Day Center for homeless women and children. Last year, through our Day Center program, we assisted over 500 homeless women and children. We were able to help these women with life skills educational programs, which enabled many of them to become self-sufficient.
Through various research initiatives, our Bishop Ott Shelter Advisory Committee discovered a community need for emergency shelter facilities for homeless, single women and homeless, single women with children, with a special focus on women with male children over the age of five. Local emergency shelters for homeless women helped us identify this need. In December of 2001, we opened our new Bishop Ott Shelter for Women and Children. This 36-bed facility is equipped with separate rooms which allows us to serve both single women and families.
Many men and women, especially those who are working for minimum wage, are constantly struggling to make ends meet and are only a paycheck away from homelessness. A job layoff or illness can be catastrophic. Every day, we come face to face with the poorest of the poor. We give hope to people who desperately need a helping hand.
To schedule a tour of our facilities, to volunteer, or for more information about our Shelter Program, call (225) 383-7343.
Bishop ott shelter for men
1623 Convention St.
(225) 383- 7343
bishop ott shelter for women and children
Sweet Dreams Shelter | Day Center
1623 Convention St.
(225) 383- 7341