First Anniversary at the Community Campus

What a Difference a Year Makes

It’s amazing what can be accomplished when we work together. This time last year, we had just purchased the former Little Sisters of the Poor Nursing Home facility in North City, and our emergency shelter served 60 men. This year, the campus is home to more than 200 people rebuilding their lives, including our expanded Jugan Shelter, which now serves 100 men.

Our Community Campus has grown to include housing programs ranging from emergency shelter to long-term supportive apartments. We serve many clients directly, and some receive support from partner agencies at the campus. Every resident at the campus has access to meals in the dining hall, the new Novus on the Northside medical clinic, and 4.5 acres of private green space.

“The campus is like a collective – you have a little bit of everything,” said Teri Dunn PPCS Director of Programs. “Any kind of housing support, that’s what we do. For people who live with mental health issues, have HIV, or are homeless and trying to get back on their feet, we have a place for them at the campus.”

In less than a year, the former nursing home has become a hub of activity. Residents bustle to and from work, and around the building as part of our workforce incentive program. Staff members greet new clients, run group sessions, and meet with clients individually to help them set goals. Contractors hop between projects, working to complete construction and necessary repairs around the buildings. Volunteers bring meals, hospitality, and hope to the residents.

“Our goal at the Community Campus is to bring together the resources we know our clients need to build stability,” said Anthony D’Agostino, PPCS CEO. “We know the system can work better, and help people more effectively, through collaboration.”

 

Q: Who lives at the Community Campus?

A: Residents are clients in one of the shelter or housing programs at the campus. There are programs designed for men, women, and families currently at the campus.

Q: What type of housing is at the Community Campus?

A: The campus currently offers emergency shelter, transitional housing, and long-term supportive apartments. The campus goes beyond housing, though, providing services and partnerships to help clients take control of their future – like the new medical clinic managed by Novus Health.

Q: What kind of support does someone receive at the Community Campus?

A: Our clients have access to wrap-around services like case management, occupational therapy, life skills support, nursing care, dedicated support for older adults, and mental health counseling. The campus also offers three daily meals for residents, access to an on-site medical clinic, and a workforce development program.

Q: How does someone access shelter or housing at the Community Campus?

A: Our Jugan Shelter accepts referrals from the United Way for single adult men. Transitional and long-term supportive programs serving men, women, or families require a referral from a partner agency. If you know someone who needs support, contact the United Way at 2-1-1 or helpingpeople.org.

New Partners and Programs at the Community Campus

Novus on the Northside

In February, Novus Health opened Novus on the Northside within the Community Campus. The new clinic provides primary care, lab services, specialty care for HIV and Hepatitis, wellness prevention screenings, on-site pharmacy services for campus residents, and is open to the community.

Bridge Housing for Families

A safe and supportive short-term housing solution for families on their path to stability. This program is designed for those actively working toward a permanent home — whether saving for a deposit or waiting for affordable housing to become available. It offers families the vital bridge between emergency shelter and a permanent home.

Betty Jean Kerr People’s Health Centers (Formerly Hopewell) Apartments

Providing long-term supportive housing and services at the Community Campus within the 15 one-bedroom apartments. Ten of our clients in the Jugan Shelter were able to move into these apartments!