St. Anthony Residence"Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mind you did for me."
(Mt. 26:40)
St. Anthony Residence
"Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for
one of these least brothers of mind you did for me."
(Mt. 26:40)
This is the most ambitious project the Friars have attempted. It is a 65
unit SRO (Single Room Occupancy) apartment building, housing formerly homeless
men. The men who live at St. Anthony's are in need of support services to
maintain independent living. The population of St. Anthony's includes
those with histories of mental illness and/or substance abuse, but who are able
to function independently. Residents are accepted from various emergency
shelters and drop-in centers around New York City.
Over the years, New York City has lost some 100,000 units of SRO housing.
St. Anthony's is part of the Catholic Church's response to those New Yorkers in
need of safe, clean, affordable housing.
Transformed
Anthony’s Residence was once an abandoned six story building with an adjacent
litter filled lot. While abandoned, the burned-out building was a notorious drug
supermarket where illegal drugs were sold and used 24 hours a day. Today, the
location has been transformed into a Supportive Single Room Occupancy Residence
for 65 formerly homeless men.
Beginning of Catholic Outreach
In 1987, the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal moved into the old Saint
Adalbert’s Parish facilities located on East 156th Street between Melrose and
Elton Avenues in the South Bronx. Part of the Franciscans’ mission is the care
of the poor, especially the homeless. In December of 1989, the Friars opened up
the Padre Pio overnight shelter in the facilities of the old Saint Adalbert’s
Parish. Each night, the Friars offer 18 homeless men a safe, clean, spiritual
environment at the Padre Pio Shelter. The shelter’s goal of providing food,
clothing, prayer and emergency overnight assistance meets the immediate needs of
the homeless. The Friars realized that the long-term needs of the homeless could
be met through stable, longer term supportive housing.
Developing Catholic Outreach
The Franciscan Friars’ desire to provide longer term stable housing became a
reality on June 13, 1993. On that day the once abandoned, burned-out building
next door to the Church property opened it’s doors as the newly renovated
Saint Anthony’s Residence. Sixty-five formerly homeless men now call St.
Anthony’s home.
Saint Anthony’s Residence provides each man with:
| * | a private, furnished room and common kitchen area for preparing personal meals |
| * | a dining room which serves lunch and dinner six days a week |
| * | a supportive social service staff to provide assistance in apartment management, budgeting, personal hygiene, nutrition, GED programs, job placement, and basic computer skills |
| * | 24 hour security for the safety of residents and the building |
| * | a caring staff to assist in the spiritual development of residents through prayer, weekly bible study, communal prayer services, weekly Mass, and Holy Hour |
| * | Alcoholics/Narcotics Anonymous and Relapse Prevention support meetings |
| * | numerous other group developmental and social activities and opportunities |
Future Needs
To continue the mission of Saint Anthony’s Residence, the Franciscan Friars of
the Renewal welcome your assistance. Financial support sustains the numerous
activities offered to residents of Saint Anthony’s such as BBQ picnics,
camping trips, religious/spiritual trips, monthly birthday parties, and
Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving celebrations. Volunteer efforts of several
hours to full-time are welcomed. Your assistance would enable us to continue and
to develop new activities at Saint Anthony’s Residence. We ask that you keep
the ministry at Saint Anthony’s Residence in your prayers as the Friars
remember their benefactors and volunteers in prayer and daily Mass.
For information on how to make a donation or for volunteer opportunities
please contact:
Fr. Bob Lombardo, Director
St. Anthony’s Residence
410 East 156th Street
Bronx, NY 10455
(718) 993-5161
(718) 993-4754 FAX
 |
 |