How it Began – More than 40 Years Ago

ImmaCare has been serving those experiencing homelessness for more than 40 years. Though an amazing accomplishment, in an ideal world, no one would be homeless. If not for our Board of Directors, funders, donors, volunteers, and dedicated staff, we would not be able to continue serving those most in need. I am reminded of this poignant quote:

“Never underestimate the power of a small group of committed people to change the world. In fact, it is the only thing that ever has.” ~ Margaret Mead 

ImmaCare’s roots began on a very cold night in 1981 when Father Donagher, a priest at the Immaculate Conception Church at the corner of Park and Hungerford Streets in Hartford, found a man frozen to death just beyond the front steps of the church. Father Donagher vowed it would never happen again and opened the basement of the church to serve the most vulnerable. Women parishioners of the church gathered their children and families to maintain the makeshift shelter. They willingly volunteered several hours daily to cook and clean the church so it would serve a dual-purpose as both a place of worship and a life-saving resource for the community.  The agency has come quite a long way in its 40 years of service to the community. What started as a grass roots basement emergency shelter has transitioned to a full-service agency also offering intensive case management services, mobile outreach and both scattered-site and project-based supportive housing.  The growth in the most recent ten years has been transformative:

• Rebranded from Immaculate Conception Shelter & Housing Corporation to ImmaCare Inc., paying homage to our humble beginnings
• Updated the agency mission statement to include our wish to help build “a more vibrant community”
• Created ImmaCare Solutions LLC, a subsidiary of ImmaCare Inc., which provides property management to ImmaCare’s project-based Casa de Francisco apartment building
• Launched the “ImmaCare Endowment Fund” through the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving
• Embarked on, and completed, a major renovation to our founding home, the 125-year-old Gothic former church into a facility that is up to date with building codes and features increased functionality to better serve our clients
• Rebranded the Emergency Shelter to a Housing Navigation Center, a new low-barrier, service-enriched shelter with a focus on individuals working on ending their homelessness

 When Father Donagher came to visit about ten years ago and was asked what made him start the Shelter, he replied, “There was no vision per se; we just didn’t want to let anyone else suffer like that man did. We were all about that day, just living to get closer to spring. I believed in an active church; it is about ‘doing’ rather than ‘waiting’ to be asked. I thought then that I was so much better for the experience, very blessed by those who came…I received so much, yet gave so little – a roof, some food and a hope that tomorrow would come.” 

As a nonprofit agency, we are fortunate for the many people throughout our history who, just as our founders, felt compelled to offer their time, talents, and treasure to support ImmaCare on our journey to provide services to those experiencing homelessness. Your donation today will have real impact and allow ImmaCare to continue our mission. Thank you for believing in us.