Welcome House of Northern Kentucky, Inc. was founded in 1982 by Father William Mertes, then director of Catholic Social Services, and an ecumenical coalition of churches. This coalition of churches committed to support Welcome House financially and through volunteer efforts in serving the economically disadvantaged citizens of Northern Kentucky.
In 1982, Welcome House opened her doors as an Emergency Assistance Center.
In the early 1980's homelessness of single parent families, usually headed by women, skyrocketed. An increasingly large population of women with children needed a safe and healthy place to stay. Working in cooperation with the Benedictine Sisters, Welcome House recognized the need for shelter for women and children. After renovating the building at 141 Pike Street to accommodate living areas, the Welcome House Shelter opened in 1983.
As further needs arose, Welcome House responded. Today, Welcome House has 6 programs located at 4 different locations in downtown Covington. Together these programs address the variety of needs of those living in poverty or on the verge of homelessness. Please see the timeline below or our Program page for more details.
Welcome House History Timeline
1982... Emergency Assistance Center opens
1983... Emergency Shelter opens at 141 Pike Street
1986... Payee Program opens
1988... 205 Pike Street renovation begins
1989... First Homeless Sleepout
1990... Welcome House Outreach organizes
1991... Stabilization opens (Case Management Services)
1993... Family Self Sufficiency Program opens
1995... Stabilization becomes Family Case Management (GAPS)
1996... Gardens at Greenup program begins
1999... Gardens Center opens
1999... Supportive Employment Program begins
2000... Homeless Services Project begins
2003... Protective Payee Program and Homeless Services Project join under the umbrella of
one program, Day2Day
2007... Celebrating 25 Years of Service
Welcome House of Northern Kentucky, Inc. was founded in 1982 by Father William Mertes, then director of Catholic Social Services, and an ecumenical coalition of churches. This coalition of churches committed to support Welcome House financially and through volunteer efforts in serving the economically disadvantaged citizens of Northern Kentucky.
