Programs at the Father McKenna Center
Those who live on the edges of American society can often find themselves in difficulty. The Father McKenna Center strives to address emergency needs to prevent them from becoming chronic problems.
The Father McKenna Center has a limited capacity to provide shelter for those in transition from homelessness. The transitional living program requires participants to work, if possible, and work intensively on issues of mental and physical health, financial stability and recovery from addictions. Five men can live with us seven days per week for up to one year. They have the capacity to store their belongings.
Entrance into the Transitional Living Program is by application only. The program provides a safe and supportive environment for those who have been homeless but are struggling to stay free of drugs and alcohol and move toward independent living.
Homelessness and addiction are not terminable illnesses but they are difficult to overcome unless root causes are exposed. Many if not most of those seeking services from the Father McKenna Center suffer from some form of mental illness.
Each Monday morning, the staff from the District's Homeless Outreach Program comes to the Father McKenna Center to talk with men suffering from mental illness. If the person is willing, he is referred to mental health providers in the District.
Each Wednesday morning, Father McKenna Center staff and volunteers conduct in-depth interviews with those we serve to uncover if possible the reason a person is homeless. Often, we hear stories of tragic family histories and abuse leading to depression and other problems that have gone untreated.
Sarah Joseph, MSW works with those who need to move forward in their lives to get the medication and services they need.
To date, we have interviewed 105 men, referred 18 with 9 being placed under the care of mental health professionals.
This is a new program of the Father McKenna Center.
The Father McKenna Center does not have the capacity of a drug and alcohol treatment facility. However, the Father McKenna Center can efficiently place those wanting to kick the habit of alcohol, drugs or both in detox and treatment programs. In fiscal year 2011, the Father McKenna Center interviewed 171 candidates for treatment and placed 110.
The majority of the Father McKenna Center staff are individuals who have experienced homelessness and drug addiction. They have been through treatment programs at least once and have achieved substantial clean time. They know the system and can help get men into treatment programs such as the Salvation Army, RAP Inc., SOME and others.