The Society of St. Vincent de Paul-Cincinnati announced ambitious plans to build a new outreach center in Cincinnati’s West End and double the amount of financial support it provides to parish-based SVdP groups at a press conference Feb. 28. The new “Upward Spiral Comprehensive Campaign” will raise $12 million for a self-sustaining Conference Assistance Fund, and will renovate the existing Liz Carter Outreach Center as well as build a new, 40,000 sq. ft. facility. Details below:

Cincinnati: St. Vincent de Paul – Cincinnati revealed a major investment on Wednesday, February 28 benefiting the West End and neighbors across Hamilton County.

The Upward Spiral Comprehensive Campaign will allow the Cincinnati organization to build a new outreach center in Cincinnati’s West End neighborhood and double the amount of financial support provided to parish-based St. Vincent de Paul volunteer groups throughout Hamilton County.

St. Vincent de Paul – Cincinnati will construct a new 40,000 square foot facility directly across the street from their current Liz Carter Outreach Center. The new outreach center, designed by GBBN architects, will allow St. Vincent de Paul to provide better access to services and help struggling neighbors when they need it. The facility will allow programs like the Lindner Choice Food Pantry, Charitable Pharmacy, and social services to be offered concurrently, Monday-Saturday.

“We often meet our neighbors at a crossroads where one car repair, one missed rent payment, or a medical emergency can cause a family to spiral downward into potential homelessness,” said Mike Dunn, executive director of St. Vincent de Paul – Cincinnati. “With the support of many people throughout Cincinnati, the Upward Spiral will better address the needs of our neighbors.”

Construction is expected to begin in the fall of 2018 at the Northwest corner of Bank Street and Winchell Avenue in the West End. Completion and the opening of the outreach center is expected in the fall of 2019. The existing Liz Carter Outreach Center will house administrative offices and the organization’s Ozanam Center for Service Learning. Haglage Construction will serve as the general contractor.

“The new outreach center is truly for our neighbors,” said Becky Catino, co-chair of the Upward Spiral Comprehensive Campaign. “Our goal is to provide the most dignified experience possible for families and provide better access to our emergency services like our Charitable Pharmacy, food, clothing, furniture, as well as help with rent and utility payments.”

The Comprehensive Campaign will also allow for the creation of a self-sustaining Conference Assistance Fund benefiting the 56 parish-based volunteer groups across Hamilton County.

“A lot of folks are surprised to learn there is just as much need in suburban communities as in city neighborhoods,” said Bart Kohler, co-chair of the Upward Spiral Comprehensive Campaign and St. Vincent de Paul volunteer. “The Conference Assistance Fund will provide a lot of help to Conferences and help many more families across Hamilton County.”

To date, donors have pledged $8 million to the Upward Spiral Comprehensive Campaign with a goal to raise $12 million.

“We ask people throughout our community to join the initial individuals, foundations, and companies who have already pledged their support to help us reach our final goal,” said Catino. “This campaign is reflective of the spirit of Cincinnatians. We are full of pride, we are full of respect, we treat each other with dignity, and that is a true reflection of St. Vincent de Paul.”

“St. Vincent de Paul – Cincinnati is a beacon of hope for those in our community, and together, we can ensure more of our neighbors find the help and hope they need to move upward,” said Kohler.

More information or to support the campaign, visit: SVDPcincinnati.org/upward