The Center for Respite Care is a unique organization dedicated to providing quality, holistic medical care to individuals experiencing homelessness who require a safe place to heal. The Center is distinctive as it is the only organization in its county and region, particularly in Southwest Ohio, that serves adults who are homeless, have been released from the hospital, and have no other place to turn for recovery. Established over two decades ago, the Center has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to those most in need, continually growing and enhancing its services, especially since relocating to its current facility at the Saint Anthony Center, a move that has enabled the organization to expand its capacity and offer world-class facilities to its clients.
Essentially a 24-hour facility, the Center for Respite Care provides medical and nursing care to adults who are homeless and sick or injured, promoting effective physical and emotional healing. Since its inception in 2003, the Center has cared for over 1,800 individuals, many of whom suffer from serious health issues resulting from substandard living conditions, inadequate nutrition, and exposure to severe weather. These factors, combined with limited access to healthcare, often lead to chronic or acute health conditions that typical shelters or homeless programs are ill-equipped to handle—especially for those recovering from surgery or acute illness. Hospitals, too, are unable to provide long-term or extended post-treatment care for individuals without stable housing. This gap in the healthcare continuum often leads to unresolved health complications and repeat hospitalizations, placing a significant burden on the healthcare system and the community as a whole.
The Center functions as a critical bridge in the transition from hospital to independent living, ensuring that illness or injury does not derail a person's progress toward self-sufficiency. Clients at the Center benefit not only from medical and nursing care but also from warm beds, nutritious meals, appropriate clothing, personal care items, and comprehensive support aimed at building a stronger foundation for independence after discharge. Integral to this process is the Center’s emphasis on holistic healing and breaking the cycle of homelessness, through ongoing case management and connections to essential resources, post-recovery treatment, and permanent housing opportunities.
A recent innovation is the introduction of the Transformations program, an aftercare service developed to assist former clients in reintegrating into the community and maintaining stability after leaving the Center. In the Greater Cincinnati Area, where more than 10,000 individuals may experience homelessness on any given day, the Center’s work is vital. The ongoing challenges faced by nonprofits serving people experiencing homelessness highlight the importance of the Center's flexible and adaptive approach to funding and service provision, ensuring sustainability and continued impact, even in changing economic climates.
Support from a wide variety of individuals, churches, foundations, businesses, and civic groups has been instrumental to the Center for Respite Care’s mission. The generosity of these supporters has enabled the Center to meet ongoing needs such as providing comfortable, recovery-appropriate clothing and toiletries. Volunteerism is a crucial part of its operations, reflecting the spirit of community action that has helped the Center serve thousands of vulnerable individuals. Throughout its service, the Center maintains an unwavering dedication to offering care, dignity, and support, helping those who are homeless recover from illness and move forward on a path towards independent living and renewed hope.