20 Years of Shelter & Hope: A Legacy for the Future

On a cold November night twenty years ago, the doors of St. John’s Homeless Shelter first opened. A group of faithful people were determined to give their neighbors a warm place to sleep.

What began as a small response to an urgent need has grown into a ministry that now includes not only the seasonal shelter, but also the Micah Center, Wellspring, and programs that walk alongside people long after they leave their bunk for the night.

This year, as St. John’s celebrates 20 seasons of shelter, the milestone brings both gratitude for what’s been accomplished and hope for what’s ahead.

“Celebrating 20 seasons of service at St. John’s Ministries is deeply inspiring,” shared Josh Diedrich, Executive Director of the Catholic Foundation. “Through their unwavering commitment, we’ve seen lives transformed, dignity restored, and hope rekindled. The endowment established through the Catholic Foundation ensures their mission will continue to thrive for generations to come.”

At its core, St. John’s is about dignity. Every person who comes through the door—whether for one night of safety, a hot meal, or the courage to take the first step toward a new life—is seen and treated as a child of God.

Last year alone, St. John’s welcomed 646 guests and provided over 25,000 nights of shelter. Yet, the story doesn’t end with shelter. The Micah Center and Wellspring resource centers offer daytime refuge, classes, case management, computer access, and a safe space to belong.

It’s the kind of ministry that doesn’t just meet immediate needs. It helps people take the next step forward.

As the ministry has grown, so has the need for steady support. That’s why the St. John’s Homeless Shelter Endowment, held at the Catholic Foundation, is so important. It provides ongoing resources for daily operations, long-term maintenance, and the continuation of programs that restore dignity.

“When someone leaves a legacy gift to support ministries like this, they weave their faith into the fabric of real service,” said Diedrich. “It’s a way of saying, ‘Even after I’m gone, I want to be part of bringing Christ’s mercy and compassion into my community for generations.’ The Foundation is so grateful to St. John’s Ministries for sharing Jesus’ love for the last two decades, and it has been a privilege to partner with their organization through their endowment as they support their organization for decades to come.”

The endowment isn’t just about finances. It’s about stability. It means that even in times of economic uncertainty, an organization’s mission remains steadfast. It allows St. John’s to provide for today and plan boldly for the future.

As St. John’s celebrates its 20th season, the ministry invites the community to do more than remember the past—it calls on us to invest in the future. The Restoring Hope Gala on October 4 was an incredible success and celebrated the impact of the ministry over the years.

Twenty years ago, St. John’s began with an act of courage on a cold night. Today, through the legacy of the endowment, we can ensure that those doors of welcome and hope stay open for the next 20 years and beyond.

Supporting the St. John’s Homeless Shelter Endowment is one beautiful way to leave a legacy. But it’s not the only way. Through the Catholic Foundation, you can establish an endowment for the Catholic parish, school, diocesan ministry, or Catholic organization close to your heart.

By planning today, you ensure your faith continues to bless future generations with mercy, hope, and the love of Christ.

For more than 25 years, the Catholic Foundation has supported Catholic parishes, schools, ministries, and organizations throughout northeastern Wisconsin. Through the Catholic Foundation, families leave a legacy of faith, helping others encounter Jesus and building a culture that cherishes life.

If you’d like to explore ways to create your legacy, contact Josh Diedrich at 920-272-8197, or email [email protected] to learn how your gift can make a lasting impact.