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Ozanam Manor, a transitional housing program for elderly and disabled homeless men and women, turns 25 today. It’s named after St. Vincent de Paul’s founder, Blessed Frédéric Ozanam.

Jeanne O’Brien, a St. Vincent de Paul volunteer, speaks with Roger, a homeless man living at Ozanam Manor in February.

Ozanam Manor is part of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul’s mission to enable the homeless and working poor — many who have held jobs and raised families — stabilize their lives and find permanent homes. That’s been the case for some 3,000 people who have beaten the odds and overcome homelessness. Its success rate is 62 percent.

Mike Bell, director of Shelter Services for St. Vincent de Paul, wrote a reflection for the anniversary. Find the full version on Helping the Poor, St. Vincent de Paul’s blog:

Time goes by quickly when you’re doing something that’s needed and feels personally rewarding.

We offer so much more than a bed and three meals a day. It’s about connection and one-on-one attention. Whether someone is given an individualized plan of goals or simply a hug if they’re having a particularly bad day, the quality and expertise of our case managers and mentors has been crucial to Ozanam Manor’s success.

It’s wondrous to see how it all comes together when formerly homeless people regain confidence and start their lives over. They contact estranged family members, talk about new job or volunteer opportunities with enthusiasm, and they express most sincere appreciation for St. Vincent de Paul and its work.

As we continue bettering the lives of people who are living in transitional housing, it is our hope that one day people will no longer need our services.

Until then, The Catholic Sun does its part highlight the ministry. Our latest feature on Ozanam Manor captured a conversation between a client and his mentor. She tried to motivate the homeless man who recently fell down some stairs to find some joy in his life.

“There is joy out there,” she said. “There are a lot of good things going on around you, and you need to try to find that place you can go to find joy.”

Roger said that all the places he used to find joy cost money — something he is in very short supply of these days. Then, the room was quiet for a few moments.

“Are you disappointed in me?” Roger asked.

“I’d just like to see you take some action,” O’Brien said. “Nothing’s going to happen until you make it happen.”