On a breezy Thursday morning at 10th and Newton Avenues, Sheffield Place kicked off the renovation of a newly acquired transitional living space for homeless, mother led families.

The Hardhats and Hammers wall breaking event breaks open an over $400,000 renovation project of the old convent facility for St. Stephens Parish.

According to David Hanzlick, Director of Program and Development for Sheffield Place, the new facility will provide a 33% increase in transitional housing space and increase Sheffield Place’s ability to serve roughly 172 families each year.

“Last year we received over 1,000 calls requesting service for families and we were only able to serve a little over 130 in our facility,” Hanzlick said.  This will address an incredible demand for homeless moms and their kids in the community.”

Jennifer, a Sheffield Place resident  since just before Christmas, 2019 welcomed the new facility. She has a kindergarten aged child and has high praise for the program and the additional space.  “I like the Sheffield houses but this gives a little more sense of community and structure for those not quite ready to be out on their own and still need that support system.”

Construction should be completed later this year and the first occupants will move in in December.