Society of St. Vincent de Paul opens a room of respite

An old room has a new purpose for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Omaha and its neighbors in need.

The organization turned an existing community room at its Holy Family Community Center into a welcoming daytime refuge, where people without homes and other resources can find relief from the weather, a comfy chair for a nap, a restroom, a place to watch television, use a computer, read a book or make a craft. It’s a place to recharge cell phones – and individuals.

More importantly, it’s a place to find compassion and respect, staff members and others said.

The Society opened the first-floor room at the Holy Family Community Center, 1715 Izard St. in Omaha, last month.

The room has been a place “to come in, relax and take a break,” said Tim Sully, the Society’s development director.

In recent frigid weather, people have taken advantage of the indoor space. “We’ve had people come in just to thaw out,” Sully said.

A neighbor warms up during a recent cold spell. COURTESY PHOTO

The community room provides less tangible benefits, too, said Jill Lynch-Sosa, executive director.

“We are called to meet people where they are, with compassion and without judgment,” she said. “This community room is about more than a place to rest – it builds on the daily service we offer to welcome and care for our neighbors, seeing each person as a beloved child of God,” she said.

“It allows us to deepen relationships we’ve been forming over time, offering dignity, comfort, and human connection. Our hope is that everyone who walks through these doors feels safe, respected, and reminded that they matter.”

Deacon Tim McNeil, chancellor of the Archdiocese of Omaha, said the new initiative “marks a significant step in the Society’s ongoing efforts to provide compassionate support and practical assistance to Omaha’s most vulnerable residents.”

News of the newly opened space “is slowly permeating out” among those in need, Sully said.

The room is open from noon to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Individuals can stay for a few minutes or up to two hours. Use is limited to four people at a time.

Volunteers, who work in pairs, greet people, check them in, offer support and help keep the room clean. They work in shifts about four and a half hours long, from 11:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. A staff member is also present to help.

Volunteers Fred Kohler and Cyndi Russell help out in the community room. COURTESY PHOTO

The volunteer schedule for the room is nearly full, Sully said. Anyone else interested in becoming a volunteer should call 402-779-8499, ext. 109, or send an email to volunteers@ssvpomaha.org.

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