Welcome House 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 its 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 three service areas located at four 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.
1982 |
Emergency Assistance Center opens |
1983 |
Emergency Shelter opens at 141 Pike Street |
1986 |
Payee Program opens |
1991 |
Welcome House Outreach organizes |
1991 |
Case Management Services open |
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 |
2008 |
Social Security/Benefits Outreach Program opens |
2011 |
Opening of Kings Crossing |
2014 |
Development of affordable housing project in Mainstrasse |
