Our Cause
Veronica’s Veil
Overnight Shelter for Men
Veronica’s Veil Overnight Shelter for Homeless Men is a ministry of St. Mary’s Cathedral living in imitation of Christ’s washing of the disciples’ feet and His commandment that “I have set you an example that you should also do as I have done to you” (John 13). Recognizing the dignity of each individual, through the corporal and spiritual works of mercy (Matthew 25:32 ff), we care for the material, emotional, and spiritual needs of the homeless and those most in need in the city of Kingston.
In Matthew’s Gospel in Judgement of the Nations when questioned when did the sheep on his right experience the Lord, He replied: “Whenever you did this to the least of my brothers and sisters, you did it to me.” (Matthew 25:40) Christ radically identifies Himself with the poor and in the poor. The choice of the name, Veronica’s Veil, is based on the Catholic devotion of the Stations of the Cross and specifically the Sixth Station of the Cross, where Veronica wipes the bloody face of Jesus. In the version of the Stations of the Cross used at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Jesus asks, “Can you be brave enough to wipe my bloody face? Where is my face, you ask? In the slums; on the streets, in the hospitals, the courts, the jails, wherever suffering exists. There, I look to you to wipe away my blood and tears.”
Veronica’s Veil Overnight Shelter
On January 9, 2023, Veronica’s Veil Overnight Shelter for Homeless Men officially opened after fulfilling all the requirements prescribed by the City of Kingston Building Department and the Fire Inspector.
More than 90 volunteers from city parishes and the local community have been specially trained to run the shelter, which offers overnight accommodation to 12 homeless men. The shelter Is open each night from 9 p.m. to 8 a.m. from January to the end of April. The need is great as the shelter operates at or above capacity 91% of the season. Last winter, 94 homeless men had to be turned away because the shelter was full. There are only 200 shelter beds in Kingston while the homeless population number around 1000 individuals, And the situation is likely to get worse. Researchers are saying that there will be 2000 homeless in Kingston by the end of 2026.
Veronica’s Veil offers a drug-free alternative to non-users and those in recovery. Nutritious meals, hot beverages and snacks are available in the evening and breakfast before the shelter closes each morning. A shower facility and warm winter clothing are also available. We continue to hope that at some point there will be some sort of program put into place to identify people who could be rescued off the street, educated, and detoxed, whatever needs to be done, and accompany them into the workplace.
Our guests regard Veronica’s Veil Overnight Shelter for Homeless Men as a safe haven, and we continually hear that our loving volunteers make all the difference. We strive to see Jesus in all who come to us. Many of our guests struggle with loneliness, a lack of social hope, mental illness, or addictive behavior patterns. “Jesus in the distressing disguise of the poor,” as St. Mother Teresa taught. This is the mystery of the poor: that in serving them, we are in reality serving Jesus. We rely completely on Providence and do not accept funding from any government agency, so as to remain true to our Catholic social teachings. We are very appreciative of your support.
Testimonies from Veronica’s Veil volunteers:
“Since this was my first time volunteering in a shelter for the homeless, I was a little anxious about what I would encounter. My preconceived notion was that homeless individuals were dangerous and to be avoided. However, I still felt called to volunteer at the shelter. To my surprise I found that not only was it was an eye-opening experience but it was also a life-changing experience. I discovered that our guests are just like everybody else, people from all walks of life who happen to be down on their luck. It was interesting listening to their stories and to get to know them. I grew in appreciation for the struggles they encounter on a daily basis and for the reality of life on the streets. They are very appreciative of what we do for them because they know we are there for them not because we are paid. Volunteering at the shelter has inspired me to continue to work among the homeless and poor in street outreach this summer. I look forward to volunteering at the shelter again next winter.”
Chris
“I would say that this experience has really opened my eyes to the very real and challenging issue of homelessness and addiction in our community. We knew and expected there to be challenges when we opened the shelter, but the good has far out weighted the bad. The guests, for the most part, just want and need a safe and warm place to rest. I have been spiritually enlightened by the conversations I have had with a few of the regular guests on the mornings I volunteer. It also brought a group of volunteers closer together and I have made some new friendships along the way. This is what we are called to do as Christians – to serve and protect those less fortunate. So many Holy Moments have come as a result of this.”
Mark
“Of all the community involvement that I have had, volunteering at Veronica’s Veil has been the most eye opening, most challenging, and most spiritually fulfilling. There is a sign on the wall near the kitchen with a quote from Mother Teresa. The last line of that quote is the most powerful: “in the final analysis, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.” Many friends and family do not know that I volunteered. I am sure that is the same of many of the other volunteers. Seeing the faces in the morning, having a coffee, and eating some breakfast; I don’t know how they do it. It makes me even more thankful for the life I have, the family I have and the ‘things’ that we have in life. It makes me feel good, knowing that even in some small way, I was quietly and directly able to help others in need.”
Patrick