Transitioning Out

St. Vincent de Paul operates a transitional shelter for elderly and disabled adults, called Ozanam Manor. It’s nice to hear stories of how the residents of the shelter can achieve a new level of success in their lives, from their own hard work as well as that of our caring staff and volunteers. Laura’s story is just one of many.

Laura was referred by an Outreach Specialist at the VA Medical Center in January 2010.  She is a veteran, was in the Army, and was honorably discharged.  She had become homeless due to lacking financial resources and mental and physical disabilities.  Laura came from an abusive background which led to her addictions to drugs and alcohol.  However, through extensive counseling and working her programs, she has maintained sobriety for over two years and eventually overcome her trauma.

As a result of her commitment to her programs and successfully achieving her goals, all previous criminal convictions have been expunged from her record.  After many months working with her therapist and medical doctors, Laura is now stable on her medication and was recently awarded Social Security Disability income.

During her tenure at Ozanam Manor, Laura met weekly with her case manager and the VA Outreach Specialist, and was active in daily peer group meetings and recreational therapy at the VA.  She will soon have new teeth from the VA and CASS dental clinic.  Laura successfully moved out of Ozanam Manor and into Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH).  She also found a kitten wandering the grounds of the shelter and adopted her when she moved out.  

Click the image to see a video of Laura

Finally, Laura participated in the Ozanam Manor/VFW Post 3513 Veteran Oral History Project.  When asked how Ozanam Manor has affected her situation and life today, she stated, “Ozanam Manor has helped me in my recovery.  I’ve got two years clean of all drugs and alcohol, and they are instrumental in me growing more in my recovery.  I know I’m on the right path so Ozanam Manor has really helped me grow up more, and I love it there.”

Laura was recently featured in a video about a group of volunteers who create special parties at Ozanam Manor. She’s the resident quoted at the end of this two minute video.

St. Vincent de Paul’s Ozanam Manor, a transitional housing program for adults with disabilities and those ages 50 and older, is hosting an open house this Saturday.

This is a wonderful event for those who are interested in learning about housing and homeless issues. There are so many challenges and barriers that face homeless individuals on their journey to gain self-sufficiency. Visit the Ozanam Manor this Saturday, meet our residents, hear their stories and learn more about opportunities for you to help the homeless.

Ozanam Manor Open House
Saturday, September 18
11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
1730 E. Monroe St
Phoenix, 85934
Refreshments will be provided. Call (602) 850-6900 to let us know you’re coming!

Five Questions with Mike Bell, Director of Ozanam Manor

1. What is the Ozanam Manor and what can people expect to see at the open house?

Ozanam Manor is temporary housing for homeless men and women seeking permanent housing who may have difficulty leaving homelessness on their own because they are disabled or older (age 50 and up). The facility consists of 49 beds in 6 dormitories, with attached kitchenettes, case management offices and small yards. Guests at our open house will be guided through the facility by Ozanam Manor residents, who will also tell guests a bit about themselves and what they are accomplishing.

2. What are some unique features of the Ozanam Manor?

I think the unique thing about Ozanam Manor is the community that residents find here. The size is moderate, avoiding both the trouble of too many people; with cliques forming and some individuals marginalized, and too few people; with too much isolation. Ozanam Manor has a variety of vital programs, including work credit, mentoring and events, like holiday meals and this open house, that give residents a chance to play key leadership and supportive roles for the group. The Ozanam Manor is fortunate to have highly-qualified people from the larger community who give their expertise and love to support our residents.

3. What is the most surprising for people when they get to know those who are homeless?

They are not unlike people we know or people we might have in our own families. We get a biased impression when the only homeless people we encounter are panhandlers. Ozanam Manor residents would not stand out in a shopping mall or any other public place. When you get to know homeless people, you find that “homeless by choice” generally does not apply. It is easier to understand why some people are homeless and what their hopes and dreams are when you hear from them in their own words. I continue to be surprised how moving it is when people get to know homeless individuals on a personal level.

4. What do you find is the most effective way to break the cycle of homelessness?

I agree with many experts on homelessness that more affordable housing is the main answer. However, from my own experience, personal relationships are very important. For each homeless person who finds his or her way to permanent housing, there are other people; homeless friends, a case manager, a volunteer mentor, a doctor, an employer, a minister, an apartment manager, who supported and guided them. Whatever large-scale policies are adopted to end the mass homelessness, the help we give as individuals will be crucial for the homeless people we encounter.

5. How can people help support Ozanam Manor?

The first thing people can do is simply to get to know some homeless people. I am just about as hesitant as anyone else to initiate a conversation with someone, who may be a little intimidating, on the street. But in the right setting it is quite safe and you won’t feel that you are offending or intimidating the homeless person, either. Ozanam Manor’s open house this Saturday will provide that opportunity. If you can’t make it then, but could come at another time, we could arrange a private tour. Calls us at 602 850-6900. The Ozanam Manor program, like the other St. Vincent de Paul ministries, also depends heavily on volunteers and donations. Donations can be supplies that will make people’s lives better, like bedding, personal hygiene items or kitchen supplies, or financial contributions. Any interest or support is very much appreciated.

Time goes by quickly when you’re doing something that’s needed and feels personally rewarding. As the director of shelter services at St. Vincent de Paul, I’m amazed that on July 1st, Ozanam Manor, our transitional housing program, will celebrate its 25th anniversary here in Phoenix.

During the past 25 years, with generous support from the community and help from many fine volunteers and staff, Ozanam Manor has been a refuge for over 3,000 elderly and disabled homeless men and women and offered an opportunity to help stabilize their lives and move into permanent homes. Those of us who have supported and worked for Ozanam Manor can be proud of what the program has accomplished.

Since its beginning with St. Vincent de Paul in 1985, Ozanam Manor has come a long way, not in size, but in its connections with the community. What started out with a 45-percent success rate for our clients has now grown to 62 percent overall, and our clients continue to become stronger people. From day one, our primary responsibility has been to create an environment of physical safety, dignity and respect for the residents, without which, it would be very difficult for the residents to make the major changes needed in their lives.

Perhaps that’s what sets Ozanam Manor apart from other transitional shelters—we offer so much more than a bed and three meals a day. It’s about connection and one-on-one attention. Whether someone is given an individualized plan of goals or simply a hug if they’re having a particularly bad day, the quality and expertise of our case managers and mentors has been crucial to Ozanam Manor’s success.

Although many of our residents have held jobs and raised families prior to becoming homeless, most were not aware of the programs and services available to help them with their situation. The effort needed to overcome homelessness is overwhelming and Ozanam Manor provides a safe, constructive setting to do just that. The case managers and mentors help residents feel well-connected and confident, and act as agents in helping them get back on their feet. This hands-on approach truly helps break down barriers and empower these men and women to better their lives, develop skills and transition back to independent living.

Ozanam Manor has succeeded because of the dedication of the staff, our volunteers and the residents alike. Everyone’s duty has been to work together and to look out for his or her neighbor. It’s wondrous to see how it all comes together when formerly homeless people regain confidence and start their lives over. They contact estranged family members, talk about new job or volunteer opportunities with enthusiasm, and they express most sincere appreciation for St. Vincent de Paul and its work.

As for me, working at a homeless shelter for 25 years is something I had never envisioned. I have seen a lot of good in people and have witnessed truly heartwarming stories of recovery. I have had great fun developing and implementing programs along side the staff and residents of Ozanam Manor. As we continue bettering the lives of people who are living in transitional housing, it is our hope that one day people will no longer need our services.

Click here to learn more about Ozanam Manor or click here to donate to this program today!

The following article was written by Andrew Junker and appeared in the March 4, 2010 issue of The Catholic Sun.

Jeanne O’Brien had brought some photocopies of a book about joy.

Jeanne O’Brien, a St. Vincent de Paul volunteer, speaks with Roger, a homeless man living at Ozanam Manor. (Credit: Andrew Junker/CATHOLIC SUN)

She sat in a small, cramped office across from Roger, a homeless man who has been living at Ozanam Manor in downtown Phoenix. Roger fell down some stairs the week before and was having trouble moving around, so he kept a cane with him.

“You popped into my head when I read this, Roger,” O’Brien said. “You need some joy in your life.”

She slid the photocopies across the desk, and Roger read them for a couple of minutes. He slid them back toward her and shrugged.

“It’s worth pondering,” he said.

O’Brien wasn’t ready to let him dismiss it so easily.

“There is joy out there,” she said. “There are a lot of good things going on around you, and you need to try to find that place you can go to find joy.”

Roger said that all the places he used to find joy cost money — something he is in very short supply of these days. Then, the room was quiet for a few moments.

“Are you disappointed in me?” Roger asked.

“I’d just like to see you take some action,” O’Brien said. “Nothing’s going to happen until you make it happen.”

Click here to continue reading this story…

St. Vincent de Paul’s Ozanam Manor provides transitional housing to help homeless elderly and disabled homeless adults find decent affordable housing. It also helps serve St. Vincent de Paul’s primary goal to give people an opportunity to grow by serving the poor.

In the case I’m about to describe, two volunteer Ozanam Manor mentors needed all of the skills and compassion they could muster. The results were wonderful!

Cynthia’s husband of 13 years deserted her with three children, few job skills and a house she could not afford. She eventually lost her home to foreclosure. She became depressed, lost custody of her children and lived alone on the streets for years in shame and isolation. She said that it was her faith in God that kept her from taking her life. Finally, her family sent for her to come home to Phoenix, though they were not able to house her themselves. A domestic violence shelter referred her to Ozanam Manor where her case manager, Jamie Earl, referred her to two volunteer mentors based on her greatest needs.

The first was Jack Ryan.

Jack is a retired accountant who in his life had accumulated a great deal of wisdom about how the world works. He accompanied Cynthia to court and helped her to clear her driving record. The judged waived all fines and sentenced her to 300 community service hours, which Cynthia chose to complete at St. Vincent de Paul. Cynthia said that it was a “fulfilling experience” since she understood the struggles of homeless people so well.

Cynthia’s second mentor was Wanda Conte.

Wanda helped Cynthia set up a budget plan and clear up her credit history so that she would be able to rent an apartment. Under Wanda’s tutelage, Cynthia sent letters to her creditors. She arranged affordable payments where she could clear them from her credit history. During September 2008, after 11 months at Ozanam Manor, Cynthia was able to move into a HUD-subsidized apartment in Phoenix. Now that she is able to live independently, Cynthia said that she is very happy with her life and has her “joyful spirit” back. All of Cynthia’s family continues to lives in Phoenix and be supportive.