St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) marked the start of construction on its new Center for Purpose, Hope, and Mission with a symbolic shovel and groundbreaking ceremony on its main campus just south of downtown Phoenix.
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The 26,162-square-foot center will serve as a hub for community engagement, volunteerism, advocacy efforts and mission-driven programming. It will have an airy check-in lobby, a flexible assembly space, several versatile gathering spaces, conference rooms and a large, shaded courtyard all with community in mind.
“Providing common ground for people across our community to come together to serve one another and experience the joy of service has always been an equal part of our mission,” SVdP Rob & Melani Walton Endowed CEO Shannon Clancy said. “Our new Center for Purpose Hope and Mission gives that important work a formal home. It will be an inspiring place where members of our community can gather to learn, advocate, and belong — while working together to build the kind of community where everyone can thrive.”
The center, made possible by generous donors and supporters, is a repurposing of old warehouse space on SVdP’s main campus.
SVdP was honored to celebrate the groundbreaking alongside the project’s general contractor, Ryan Companies US Inc., a long-time partner in SVdP’s campus development that recently helped construct new shelter space for the nonprofit, and SmithGroup, the architects leading the design of the Center for Purpose, Hope, and Mission.
“Ryan Companies is incredibly proud to continue our long-standing partnership with St. Vincent de Paul, an organization that provides such vital support to our community and neighbors in their time of need,” said John Strittmatter, Southwest region chairman, Ryan Companies. “Our construction team looks forward to delivering the Center for Purpose, Hope, and Mission, which will advance SVdP’s critical mission and serve as a beacon of hope for many years to come.”
In addition, Progressive Roofing, who is donating the roof, joined in the audience for the celebration.
“Supporting our community is at the heart of who we are, and it’s an honor to give back in meaningful ways, said Nick Hadden, CEO of Progressive Roofing. “We’re proud to support St. Vincent de Paul with their new roof and help ensure they can continue the incredible work they do for those in need.”
Together, representatives from all three organizations, dressed in hard hats, safety vests, and protective eyewear, dipped their shovels into a dirt box to symbolically lift and move the dirt, officially marking the start of construction.
The project is expected to be completed by 2027. Upon completion, the Center for Purpose, Hope, and Mission will expand SVdP’s capacity to engage individuals and organizations in service, education, and community-wide collaboration.
For more information on community and volunteer service opportunities please visit stvincentdepaul.net/volunteer.
