On Tuesday, March 4th, Rensselaer County Executive Kathleen M. Jimino convened a Press Conference in the Rensselaer County Legislative Chamber to mark the 25th Anniversary of Joseph’s House & Shelter.  The event also honored the foundresses of the Shelter, Sisters Rita Shawn and Maria Cokely, of the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Carondolet.

The standing-room-only event saw the participation of various dignitaries from the governmental, social service and faith communities of Rensselaer County and the Greater Capital District.  Jimino read a proclamation from State Senator and Majority Leader Joseph Bruno, noting the years of service and commitment of Joseph’s House, congratulating them on their anniversary.  State Assemblyman and Majority Leader Ronald Canestrari was in attendance, offering his thoughts on the vital role the Shelter plays in the city and county.  Various members of the Rensselaer County Legislature, including Peter Grimm, Nancy McHugh, and Robert Mirch were on hand to offer congratulations to the Shelter and along with Ranah Phelan, csj, of the Leadership Council of the Sisters of Saint Joseph, to thank the foundresses for their vision and courageous tenacity in the original undertaking of the Shelter’s founding.

Tracy Neitzel, Executive Director of Joseph’s House & Shelter, accepted the various well wishes, and in her comments noted that the anniversary was a “mixed” event both practically and emotionally.  She indicated that so long a length of service pointed to the continuing and, unfortunately, growing need for affordable housing in the county, a reflection of a greater problem in the broader community.  She stated that the Shelter planned to use the anniversary year to bring this issue to the attention of the community, especially by reflecting on the “Ten Year Plan To End Homelessness” undertaken by Rensselaer County in 2006.

The event began with a Benediction by the Reverend James Vaughan. Pastor Emeritus of Sacred Heart Parish in Troy and ended with Shelter Board President Justin DiVirgilio, announcing some of the events being planned to mark the 25th Anniversary Year.

After questions from the press the conference concluded.