A Message from Rev. Margaret Kelly

Last week, the pastor whose love of community led to the creation of the Dignity Center passed away. His name would come up periodically in the origin story of the Dignity Center. Pastor Dennis Oglesby believed the church needed to be engaged in the work of being church, not simply an institution for the sake of being an institution. He and a few lay people opened the Dignity Center as a friendly place for folks to drop in, have a cup of coffee, and feel connected.

Over the years, the Dignity Center has expanded from that original mission. Over time, my predecessors added programming and partner agencies. The pandemic years were hard for the Dignity Center. This makes it no different from any other social service agency or church. The time of upheaval in the provision of services and the way we interact with our neighbors left no one untouched.

I came in January of 2023. I knew there would be some rebuilding that needed to be done. It became clear that there would need to be a full assessment and shift in how the Dignity Center cared for our neighbors. After a period of time, here is what became clear:

People are hungry for community connection. There are very few places that were once private homes that are open to vulnerable folks for gathering. The warmth of the dining room creates a perfect place to connect.

The number one need of the folks who walked through our doors, was support paying for a bed at Higher Ground, the Catholic Charities shelter. The second floor of Higher Ground is a pay for stay program. It is a more stable environment. The men have the same bed every night, a locker, a computer lab, and most importantly, do not need to leave during the day. It is stable housing, albeit in a shelter. The beds cost $42 a week. A small some for many, but for folks who only receive $203 a month in general assistance, it is a fortune.

Folks also came to us seeking support in various processes. Applying for social security, navigating schools, legal supports, and rental assistance.

Due to the number one request being support for Higher Ground pay for stay, I implemented a policy in January of 2024. It was born of the need to support folks, but also have clear parameters around what we could and could not do.

Here is our policy:

The Dignity Center will provide up to 3 months of support to Higher Ground Pay for Stay.

Parameters:

• Client will meet weekly with an advocate, ideally the same one each week.
• Client will develop an individualized stability plan. It will include: housing, finances, medical and mental health, and other appropriate domains.
• One month will be paid at a time. Subsequent checks will be made available if previous month’s appts have been kept and Client working on previously identified goal plans.
• The total amount will equal approximately $500, which is the amount held in reserve by Higher Ground for housing needs.

Here is what we have discovered:

Our volunteers feel better equipped to meet with folks. There are clear guard rails for what they can and cannot do with folks. They can easily explain what the Dignity Center is about.

The benevolence shared with community members has clear boundaries.

By far the most important discovery, this works.

As of the end of May, 65 men have participated in the Dignity Center’s program. Of those, 53 have been eligible for 3 months, based on month they first received support. 19 men received the full 3 months of support (there were exceptions made and a few men received 4 months). Of those 19 men, 14 achieved a stability goal. That is a spectacular 74% of men achieving goals!

The markers of stability have included stabilized health, stable housing, and employment. What we have seen, is that when the men have the breathing room of a place to stay at night, they are able to focus on next steps. One gentleman was able to get his social security reinstated. We provided support and resources to get the crisis resolved. He can now look for an apartment. One man was able to stabilize his health and move on to a paid employment program. And several were able to access housing resources that mean they will move into their own apartments.

And investment of $500 in stable housing has allowed 14 men to achieve major goals. When we add in the cost of a phone bill paid to access appts and interviews, bus cards, and other needs, we are investing around $600 in each man.

$500 for 3 months of rent. It is a pittance. My first apartment in Loring Park 20 years ago was around $500 a month. This small amount invested in a person leads to long term stability.

$42 a month sponsors one man’s housing at Higher Ground. What a delight it would be, to have pledges at that amount! The men we serve, who are at Higher Ground, often want to find a way to serve after receiving support. I tell them, this is the investment in them and in our community. No one gets anywhere alone. This is us showing up for them and their only responsibility is to show up for themselves and the community.

The power of stable housing cannot be overlooked. It is the thing that relieves stress and allows for forward movement. What a gift it is when you support the Dignity Center. We can point to the concrete ways this empowers folks on their journey to stability. Thanks be to God!