As you know, construction of the desperately needed Catholic Charities Center has been stalled while activists have appealed decisions in favor of Catholic Charities from Metro Council, Jefferson Circuit Court, and the Kentucky Court of Appeals. I am thrilled to report that the Kentucky Supreme Court has declined any further review of this matter, and at long last, litigation is at an end.

We are moving forward quickly: if all goes as expected, demolition will begin at the Holy Name campus within a few weeks. Per our plan, the gym and school will come down immediately to allow construction to commence. Catholic Charities staff will continue to work in the former convent building until the new building is ready for occupancy; then the convent will be demolished, the parking lot will be completed, and the staff currently operating out of the St Anthony campus at 23^rd and West Market Street will also move to the new building.  

We very much wanted to remain in the Holy Name neighborhood, where we are needed and where we can contribute to its revitalization, and you have helped make that possible. We are excited to bring most of our services under one roof (that does not leak!), taking advantage of the synergy that comes from daily interaction. We’re looking forward to welcoming the community to meeting room spaces and a food pantry that are easily accessible to everyone – and to greeting our clients and our staff with reliable heat, electricity, and hot water.

While construction costs have increased during litigation, we have also had the opportunity to fine-tune building plans with learnings from the pandemic. We are confident that we will complete the project fundraising and build a structure from which we can serve for many decades to come.

Thank you, many times over, for your faithfulness and patience as we have waited and worked to bring our vision of a new headquarters into reality. We are grateful for your generous and persevering support.

We will continue to communicate with you about progress on the project. Meanwhile, please know we are always grateful for your continued support and prayers for Catholic Charities, as we continue to provide help and hope across our community.

 

Lisa DeJaco Crutcher       Peter Cummins      Deacon Scott Haner
Chief Executive Officer     Board Chair           Building a Brighter Future
Campaign Chair

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