Local News: St. Andrew’s Parish Building Now Offered as Family Visiting Venue (11/07/24)

Through a growing effort, the Advent House located next to St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Greencastle is now being proposed for use as a visitation site. The goal is to take advantage of previously unused space to meet a community need.

The building houses the offices of the priest and administrator, as well as storage on the first floor for the Putnam County Non-Food Pantry. The second floor, on the other hand, with three bedrooms and a bathroom, was not used except to store church-related materials.

During a visit with Church Buildings for Collaborative Partnerships (CBCP) and community partners in January 2023, it was discussed that the Department of Children’s Services (DCS) and other related entities do not have private locations for visits. Instead, they typically take place in fast food restaurants and other public places.

“Everyone is adamant in their frustration with this situation,” the church said after consulting with DCS and local fast food restaurants. “St. Andrew’s wants to provide families in our community with a more suitable place for these visits.”

So the church applied for a matching grant from CBCP to renovate the second floor of the building. This will provide families with a distraction-free environment, with rooms stocked with toys and books.

The parking lot and playground are not visible from the street, further promoting privacy and security. A key lock will make the space easily accessible.

The church said the space is open to public defenders and lactation specialists and their clients, as well as foster families. Through a partnership with Beyond Homeless, families short on space and in need of a place to go while divorces or protection orders are pending are also welcome.

Persons wishing to use the space are requested to read and sign a user agreement form.

“Opening this church space to DCS and Greencastle neighbors allows for much-needed and unique use of unused areas that are beneficial to the community and sustainable for the St. Andrew’s congregation,” the church said.

Those with questions can contact the church at 653-3921 or [email protected].