One Navy Veteran Supports Another: Michael finds more than shelter
Sometimes, there are things in life that don’t make sense.
At 51 years old, Michael was an honorably discharged Navy Veteran who found himself living on the streets.
From 1992-1996, he was an aviation storekeeper and served overseas. His transition back to civilian life was not a challenge.
“Coming back to America was rather easy. I was married and had a few kids before I found myself in a position of dire straits,” Michael said. “Coastal communities know tsunamis and hurricanes and that’s what I was in. It was not just pouring rain, it was a deluge.”
A decade ago, he lost his mom, two jobs he had held for a decade, and his wife asked for a divorce—all in a span of three months.
“A lot of traumatic events happened at the same time that I wasn’t able to juggle
or handle and act responsibly in,” Michael added.
Michael moved from place to place, sleeping near the Ohio River, in someone’s backyard, or outside a local shelter if it were full. St. John Center connected Michael to Veterans Affairs (VA).
“The Veterans Transitional Housing Program has been such a blessing, said Laurie Hardin, a VA Homeless Outreach Social Worker. “We usually don’t have an immediate housing option open tomorrow, but it allows us to give Veterans the option of getting in a safe, stable place. It’s game changing.”
In Feb. 2026, Hardin helped Michael get into our Veterans Transitional Housing Program. This past fiscal year, we served 92 Veterans in two of our housing programs.
Michael attends weekly one-onone and group counseling meetings through our Mental Health &
Substance Use (MHSU) Program. He meets with Ariel Perkins, a SVDP Mental Health Clinical Services Coordinator who also served in the Navy and can relate to his experiences.
“THE ABILITY TO TALK TO SOMEBODY ABOUT PROBLEMS THAT I DIDN’T KNOW HOW TO HANDLE HAS BEEN HELPFUL. I ALWAYS THOUGHT IT WAS TABOO.”
Last fiscal year, the MHSU team provided 416 one-on-one counseling appointments to those in our housing programs, 57 of whom were Veterans. They also successfully resolved 73 crisis situations.
In fact, one in three of our clients reported having one or multiple mental health conditions. Our MHSU team is professionally trained to help people like Michael overcome any challenges.
“Our team really focuses on the underlying causes of homelessness like substance use, mental health, or trauma backgrounds because homelessness itself is a trauma,” Perkins said.
Michael is thankful for our organization’s shelter and support.
“My experience at St. Vincent de Paul has been helpful, very educational,” Michael said. “I feel like I’m in a better spot. They’re making strides to improve things. This is the best shelter in Louisville.”
11%
92
16,060 BED NIGHTS AVAILABLE ANNUALLY TO VETERANS VETERANS SERVED IN TWO OF OUR PROGRAMS OF KENTUCKY'S UNHOUSED POPULATION ARE VETERANS
The Good Samaritan
The monthly newsletter of St. Vincent de Paul Louisville
Send correspondence to PO Box 17126, Louisville, KY 40217-0126
Visit us at 1015-C South Preston Street, Louisville, KY 40203-2733
Tony Nochim Communications & Public Relations Coordinator
Send comments or change of address notifications to tnochim@svdplou.org
Our Mission
We house, feed, and support those in need with compassion and dignity.
Support SVDP
To find out more about our work or make a donation, visit our website.
Community Corner: Louisville Visual Art permanently
Whether you own a home or live in an apartment, art makes the space come alive.
Last month, 27 original artworks were permanently installed throughout Ozanam Inn Men’s Emergency Shelter so that it feels more like home to its 80 residents. This was made possible through our partnership with Louisville Visual Art (LVA) and its Curate Purchase Inspire (CPI) program, which was curated by artist Elizabeth Foley, around the theme of moving forward in one’s life.
On Monday, June 1, we held a free public art reception entitled “From Which Life Flows” in the Open Hand Kitchen to celebrate this unique collaboration between the local arts community and safe and stable housing advocacy.
“Art belongs everywhere, for everyone, and contributes to the health of individuals and communities,” said Dr. Angela Hagan, LVA Executive Director. “LVA was pleased to
partner with St. Vincent de Paul, whose team understands the need for a holistic approach to well-being for the men living at Ozanam Inn. Placing art in those spaces provides a sense of belonging and connection.”
The collection of commissioned works by 11 artists draws on the writings of Rainer Maria Rilke to explore identity, growth, and the role of place in shaping our lives. Foley commissioned and purchased $30,000 worth of artwork for installation.
svdplouky
svdplouky
St. Vincent de Paul Louisville
permanently installs new artwork in Men's Shelter
“My experience curating art for Ozanam Inn expanded my understanding of art—its purpose and how it can uplift people,” Foley said. “I visited the shelter on several occasions and observing the activity made me think more about what art the clients and staff would positively respond to.”
The artists were Martin L. Benson, Kofi Darku, Tad DeSanto, Sebastian Duverge, Marcia Holloway Ross, Lori Larusso, Shawn Marshall, Cynthia Molinari, Lance Newman, Lisa Schooling, and Jen Walters Petry.
“The opportunity to create something unique and specific for Ozanam Inn was wonderful. The images and ideas the residents shared were the inspiration behind designing these panels. They spoke of Ozanam Inn as a beacon that is welcoming and safe.”
—Jen Walters Petry, who designed the stained-glass window artwork
Frédéric Ozanam, whom Ozanam Inn was named after when it originally opened more than 40 years ago, once said, “Do not be afraid of new beginnings. Be creative. Be inventive.”
Ozanam Inn is all about new beginnings for those we serve, currently providing 60 emergency shelter beds for single men—often those experiencing chronic homelessness—and 20 private
rooms for Veterans in the Veterans Transitional Housing Program.
As the only 24/7 shelter in our community, Ozanam Inn provides each resident with case management, housing navigation, and access to mental health and substance use counseling. Residents also have access to free meals in the Open Hand Kitchen. Ozanam Inn is more than a shelter. It is a stepping stone to stability.
“We are so thankful for our partnership with Louisville Visual Art and its CPI program,” said Jennifer Clark, SVDP’s CEO & Executive Director. “Following last year’s major renovations at Ozanam Inn, the addition of art enhances these improvements and helps create a sense of home for the men and Veterans as they transition into permanent housing.”
Before starting the curation process, Foley held a focus group for several residents and staff. One of the residents said, “Home is a place where I can be myself with no judgement.”
UPCOMING EVENTS at ST. VINCENT DE PAUL LOUISVILLE
About LVA & the CPI Program
LVA is a nonprofit organization with an emphasis on “More Art for More People in More Places.” The CPI program empowers two emerging curators each year through professional mentorship to curate and install permanent exhibitions of original works by local artists in community-facing organizations.
Our thanks to Louisville Metro Government for their support
July Podcast
Matt Reed, Volunteers of America Mid-States
In this month's episode, Matt discusses overseeing the Community Care Campus and how it will serve the unhoused population in Louisville.
>>> www.svdplou.org/svdp-podcast
Fourth Thrift Store Opening
We are so excited to announce the grand opening of a fourth SVDP Thrift Store in late July. The location will be in the Shively Center at 4220 Dixie Hwy., Louisville, KY 40216. Stay tuned for more details!
>>> www.svdplou.org/thrift-stores
Donor Spotlight: McKunes use talents to support the mission
Mike and Kathleen McKune are a perfect example of St. Vincent de Paul Louisville supporters who use their talents to advance the mission.
“Being Catholic and going to mass, you can’t not know about St. Vincent de Paul,” Mike said. It’s part and parcel of being Catholic.”
Mike, a retired video producer of a local healthcare organization, became more familiar with our organization’s programming and services when he began creating videos for our fundraising event videos.
“I’m impressed by the compassion and professionalism of the St. Vincent de Paul staff that I have interacted with in making these videos,” Mike added. “Their nonjudgemental mentality …
lifting one person out of those situations makes it all worth it and gives you the strength to keep trying to help others.”
During Mike’s first time on our campus, he was encouraged by an encounter with SVDP staff. A gentleman came after lunch ended, and we still fed him.
“I saw the unconditional love in that interaction … That was a divine splash of cold water in my face … St. Vincent de Paul says, ‘If we’ve got the food, we’ll feed you, even if you’re late,’” Mike added.
Mike’s wife, Kathleen, provided outside counsel on tax credit properties when we were launching 54 permanent supportive housing units on campus. As an attorney with more than 30 years’ experience, Kathleen understands the importance of affordable housing.
“Housing is foundational,” Kathleen said. “If you don’t have housing, whether you’re an individual or family, if you don’t know where you’re going to put your head at night, you can’t get any rest. I think housing isn’t the only answer, but it’s a key element.”
The McKunes have seen the mission of compassion and dignity lived out amongst SVDP staff and volunteers.
“It’s having someone recognizing your value,” Kathleen said. “That’s how somebody gets on the right track. That’s the true compassion of St. Vincent de Paul that shines through. That everyone has value, and everyone deserves compassion, mercy, kindness, and dignity.”
They have also attended fundraising events and donated to our Thrift Stores utilizing our free donation pick-up of large items.
“Everybody is touched by mental illness, drug addiction, and homelessness. Very few families escape that. You want these services there for your family, friends, or neighbor, if they were ever to need it.”
Vehicle Donation
The McKune’s donated a white 2011 Nissan Rogue that their daughter drove for many years.
“It resonated with us that it’s the right thing to do. It still had some life in it,” Kathleen said. “I know with working for nonprofits that $1,000 is a big deal. It’s humbling to know what organizations like SVDP can do with very little and they can truly impact lives.”
To donate your vehicle, visit www. svdplou.org/vehicle-donations
Dominique Batts becomes COO at St. Vincent de Paul Louisville
In June, Dominique Batts was promoted to Chief Operating Officer at St. Vincent de Paul Louisville.
Since joining SVDP Louisville in 2018, Batts has done an incredible job overseeing our housing and services for those in need.
“Dominique brings a deep commitment to our mission, and shows up every day with compassion for our staff and those we serve. We are thankful for her leadership and the impact she continues to make across our organization,” said Jennifer Clark, SVDP’s CEO & Executive Director.
Batts’ new role will include oversight of Compliance and Performance Quality Improvement (PQI), strategic planning, staff training and professional development, vendor and contract development, community partnerships, and budget to program alignment.
Batts hopes to continue to grow and guide SVDP Louisville into the future.
“I am honored and excited to step into the Chief Operating Officer role at SVDP Louisville. What I have loved most about working here is being part of an organization that is committed to serving our community with dignity, equity, compassion, and respect while creating meaningful change in the lives of individuals and families. Throughout my time at SVDP, I have witnessed the dedication of an incredible team, and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue supporting our staff, strengthening our services, and building on the things we do well as we continue expanding our impact throughout the community.”
