Two years ago, IPH (Interfaith Partnership for the Homeless) broke ground on this project at 315-317 Sheridan Avenue in Albany. The goal was to transform two aging buildings into highly productive community centers. Through donations, grants, and tax credits, IPH raised nearly $10 million, including the Stewart’s Shops/Dake Family gifts, allowing an expanded project scope.

The former St. Casimir’s Convent and School have been renovated into IPH’s showcase for expanded programs and neighborhood commitment. These historic buildings were completely renovated and open to the public in late September. Along with new apartments, the buildings include a food pantry, clothing center, and exam rooms. IPH helps homeless and low-income individuals achieve stability and self-sufficiency by providing shelter, permanent housing, meals, and health services.

Men, women, and families can visit IPH’s new Hoffman Family Center’s Community Connections for a daily hot meal, laundry, showers, life skills classes, clothing and food pantries, and case management and Healthy Connections sponsored by MVP Health Care next door for vital health services.

The doors of the Hoffman Family Center opened to guests for the first time and the response was overwhelming. Men and women lined up for breakfast, the food pantry, clothing pantry and other services.

This year IPH celebrates its 35th anniversary; 35 years of opening doors and now they will be able help even more individuals and families with more reach, more services, more lives changed.

These new community centers have added a beautiful aesthetic to this street and will encourage future development in this area.

We were happy to celebrate the opening of these buildings with a ribbon cutting ceremony with public officials and IPH representatives.

Stewart’s gives $7.5 million annually. $5 million of it comes from the Dake Family Foundations so it does not impact our Partners ESOP/Profit Sharing.