Under Construction: Rebuilding Hope

November 20, 2023

Restoration efforts flourish when visionary ideas and a passion for human dignity coalesce. Catholic teaching compels us to overlook social status, race, gender, abilities or any other determining factor one might use in judging another’s value. Yet, how can we fully honor human dignity in a place that was so derelict and forgotten?

This is the hurdle Catholic Charities transcended for the new Sanctuary Women’s Development Center expected to open mid-2024. Thanks to donors and supporters, Catholic Charities raised more than $5 million in one year for a new center which will mirror the original mission church that acted as the organization’s homeless day center.

In April 2009, Catholic Charities recognized a need for women and children who are homeless, or facing homelessness, to have a safe place to rest and focus on their individual needs. This is why we opened the sole women-and-children day center in the former Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Oklahoma City. In May 2014, a second day center was opened in Norman, OK.

Honest conversations and mindful deliberation determined the old church no longer served as a peaceful day center for women and children. A sign on the door of the restrooms read “Door does not lock.” Dilapidated ceiling tiles hovered over the hygiene and clothing closet. Only one washer and dryer were available. There were no private spaces for confidential client meetings. The building limitations caused a waiting list of seven clients per week. Multiple issues caused the organization to realize new construction was needed from the ground up, rather than proceed with the exhaustive list of repairs.

The new Sanctuary will not only provide more space to expand services but also create an environment more conducive to women who are experiencing trauma. The Healing Garden, a flourishing green space outside, will provide a peaceful retreat. The new building will keep the integrity of the old church and include a bell tower on the west side that mimics the original, iconic tower. The new floor plan will be open and bright with clear sight lines allowing for the safety of clients, staff, and volunteers with a dedicated area for their children. There will be four washer and dryer sets, six new case management office spaces, and a new children’s inside area and outside play space.

This immense restoration will enable the Sanctuary staff and volunteers to add additional women to the center. This means 270 more showers a month can be provided, 300 more loads of laundry cleaned, and increased opportunities for mental health and substance abuse services. Plus, a detached Dignity Suite will allow for five times the storage for donated clothing, personal care items, and a food pantry. The redesign will also provide a dedicated space for clinical counseling and children’s trauma services.

Homelessness can cause fear and depression, which can create a sense of helplessness. A major building improvement at the front entrance will enable increased security for our clients. Many women who seek refuge at the center not only experience homelessness but also domestic abuse and sexual assault. A secure parking lot will rest behind the main building with a private entry for volunteers and staff.

Catholic Charities identifies unique needs for each woman who walks through the door. A non-judgmental environment exists for women whose individual stories could fill their own 90,000-word memoirs. One could talk for hours about the basic tenets of love, mercy, grace, faith, and basic human rights. Those conversations do take place in plenitude. Perhaps, though, the essence of Sanctuary is the possibility of transformation from the ground up.

The letter ‘S’ evokes Sanctuary, Super Safe, Solitude. Transformational change in the lives of each client reflects the commitment Catholic Charities embodies for all whom we are privileged to serve.