Father Carr’s Place offers food, warmth for holidays

The executive director of Father Carr's Place 2B said what started as a hangout for youths has become a haven for the homeless and families in need.

Executive Director Joseph Geniesse said the Place 2B was started by the Rev. Martin P. Carr, a Catholic priest, almost 40 years ago and has grown to include a homeless shelter, a free pantry, and a free dental and health clinic.

 "We see individuals who are lonely and cut off from their family and friends," Geniesse said. "We see them connected to a support system. We live as family here and support people just as we would our own children, brothers and sisters."

Around the holidays, Geniesse said there is more pressure on these individuals, and it causes problems and a need for shelters like the Place 2B.

"The expectations of people are very high, and so when everyone else is enjoying family and giving gifts, there's a depression that people feel because of the high expectations for the season." Geniesse said.

Geniesse said in the last 33 years the Place 2B has averaged 100 people staying overnight in their homeless shelter, about 7,000 visits to the clinic, served about 100,000 meals and gave 20,000 people groceries.

Around the holidays the Place 2B puts more effort reaching out to those in need, Geniesse said.

"Thanksgiving we just delivered 500 meals to shut-ins as well as served 200 meals here," Geniesse said. "Christmas and Easter we'll do the same thing. And also on Christmas Eve we have breakfast with Santa and Santa is here and gives out gifts to kids who otherwise wouldn't have a gift."

The Place 2B creates a family environment for people who have trouble connecting with others, Geniesse said.

"The holidays we get people that come back for holidays meals, and it's every year like when I was a kid going to Grandma's, and all the family would get together," Geniesse said. "We get the same people that come together here for the holidays. It's nice to see them every year. It's a great support for people."

Hannah Geniesse, Geniesse's daughter, also works at the Place 2B as a volunteer, along with 100 other weekly volunteers and 200 others that help on an occasional basis.

"Our family knew Father Carr, pretty much all my life," Hannah Geniesse said. "So, I have been coming here since I was born. Being more involved as we have lived here, answering the phones, it just is a good feeling to help out. I love doing it."

But as much as the Place 2B does, Hannah Geniesse said they are always trying to do more.

"There is always room for improvement," she said. "I think we are doing the best we can now, but of course we always want to do more."

Geniesse said he is always looking for more ways to expand the Place 2B.

"We've always tried to serve a need that is not being served in a community," Geniesse said. "So, if any other need comes up, we would like to fill that need."