Lwanga Center opens doors to homeless men

"We started off with few resources, but God was with us," noted Tom Murphy, staff resident at Lwanga Center for more than 13 years.

Lwanga Center began operation through the efforts of several priests who were dedicated to social justice and shared responsibility for ministry to homeless men.

Finding shelter

During its initial operation, the clergy (including then-Father Howard Hubbard) took turns staying in the shelter each night in two-person teams. In 1973, Mr. Murphy became its first permanent staff resident.

Those involved at Lwanga Center during this period fondly recall the warm atmosphere.

"Talking about the folks who used to live there," said Rev. Frank O'Connor, who helped establish the shelter and staff it overnight, "is like talking about family members. There was lots of love, lots of care."

Mass and dinner

Father O'Connor recalled the gatherings as "informal, with a great spirit. Of all the places and times I've celebrated Mass, I found that most enjoyable."

That tradition continues today. Throughout most of its operation, the Lwanga Center's soup kitchen has served three meals a day to anyone in need. A typical day begins with 35-40 people in the dining room, including shelter residents, local families and other neighbors, many on their way to work. It is common to see people dressed in painters' clothes or construction hats sharing the morning meal.

Moving

Factors contributing to homelesness have changed during the Center's history. Originally, the de-institutionalization of the mentally ill and the lack of services to support them led to a need for emergency shelters. Veterans who "had fought in the [Vietnam] war and been broken by it," said Father O'Connor, also turned to Lwanga Center.

Individuals plagued by both mental health and addiction continue to use the shelter now. In addition, the lack of affordable housing for lower-wage workers is a key factor contributing to the need for services today.

Finding help

That helps the men succeed upon leaving the shelter, according to Deborah Damm O'Brien, executive director of the Catholic Charities Housing Office. Many men go to permanent housing programs operated by Catholic Charities. Others participate in programs operated by the Veteran's Administration or by mental health or substance abuse programs.

Throughout its 30 years of operation, the Center's commitment to caring for individuals has never wavered. Speaking about Lwanga's residents years ago, Father O'Connor noted: "Even though they were homeless, they had a great deal of dignity to them."

Today, Ms. O'Brien said, "each guest in the shelter has plans, hopes and dreams. They may have some other challenges we don't, but they are people just like us."

(Charles Lwanga was a young Ugandan who served in the royal household. After converting to Catholicism, he spread the faith among pages. He was martyred during an 1886 persecution and was canonized in 1964. His feast is June 3.)

(09-19-02) [[In-content Ad]]