It’s the time of year to think of others. With Christmas a few days away and the New Year approaching, St. Benedict’s Homeless Shelter is offering a “bed sponsorship” program.
“Our budget is 90% donations,” explains Assistant Director Harry Pedigo. “We came up with the bed sponsor program as a way to generate some income.” Organizers figure that it costs about $500/year to support a resident at St. Benedicts for an entire year. That figure accounts for utilities and shelter supplies. “But that also covers extra things we try to help our residents with like GED classes, prescriptions, ID’s, and other things to help reintegrate them into society.”
Sponsorships are tax deductible. Sponsors will be recognized on a plaque inside the shelter and on channel 8 as well.
St. Benedict’s is the only emergency shelter for men in Owensboro. Last year alone, St. Ben’s served 200 men. The shelter recently increased its occupancy from 40 to 60 men by adding bunk beds. “Owensboro Community and Technical College students built the beds for us, which was a great help,” Pedigo said.
St. Ben’s also recently partnered with the YMCA, who has provided passes for residents to work on their physical fitness during the day up to two times a week.
“There’s a lot going on down here,” Pedigo said. “We’re doing all we can to get these guys headed in the right direction.”
For more information about bed sponsorships, contact Harry Pedigo at [email protected] or 270-541-1003 (shelter) or 270-315-4419 (cell). Follow St. Ben’s on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/stbenedictsowensboro
