ERLANGER, KY (04/03/26) — St. Vincent de Paul Northern Kentucky (SVdP NKY) is honored to announce a $2 million Kentucky state legislative one-time appropriation to support the construction of a new multi-role facility in Erlanger, strengthening the foundation of stability for families struggling to make ends meet.
The historic investment is part of HB 900, an act funded solely through the Budget Reserve Trust Fund passed on April 1, 2026, and introduced by Kentucky State Representative Kim Banta, R-Fort Mitchell, who represents communities in Kenton and Boone counties. The appropriation comes just months after the public launch of SVdP NKY’s Hands of Hope Capital Campaign, which aims to raise funds for the much-needed facility.
“Securing $2 million in funding is a game-changer for the mission at St. Vincent de Paul,” said Rep. Banta. “As St. Vincent reminded us, ‘Go to the poor: you will find God.’ This investment empowers them to meet urgent needs with greater impact—helping families stabilize, regain independence, and experience the love and respect they deserve.”
The Hands of Hope Capital Campaign is the first campaign of its kind in SVdP NKY’s 115-year history. The current building, a warehouse continuously occupied since 1969, also serves as a retail thrift store, distribution center, food pantry, assistance call center, and administrative offices. The planned 40,000+-square-foot facility represents a major investment in Kenton County and is envisioned as a purpose-built community hub that will allow SVdP NKY to serve significantly more families while offering greater levels of care, comfort, and dignity.
“We are deeply grateful to Representative Banta for taking the time to understand the realities faced by so many families in our community,” said Karen Zengel, Executive Director of St. Vincent de Paul Northern Kentucky. “She listened, asked thoughtful questions, and recognized the importance of investing in solutions that provide lasting support. Her leadership and advocacy for this investment will help ensure that St. Vincent de Paul NKY can continue serving our neighbors for generations to come.”
Kris Knochelmann, Kenton County Judge/Executive, added “Kenton County is fortunate to have strong leaders in Frankfort who work hard to advance impactful projects. Representative Kim Banta’s effort to secure this $2 million investment for St. Vincent de Paul’s new facility in Erlanger is the latest example. This funding will ensure that critical services continue to be available to individuals and families in our community.”
The key features of SVdP NKY’s new building include:
· An expanded call center and guest services areas to better coordinate emergency assistance while protecting guest dignity and privacy.
· Welcoming, clearly marked entrances to help guests easily navigate assistance services.
· Dedicated space for community partners to promote wraparound care, reduce wait times and costs for guests, and strengthen collaboration among providers.
· A significantly expanded food pantry, doubling current capacity while improving accessibility and proper food storage.
· A multi-purpose room with a teaching kitchen for nutritional education, volunteer training, seasonal programs, community gatherings, and distribution events.
· Enhanced retail space that is larger, brighter, and better organized, projected to generate additional funding to support operations and assistance programs.
· A larger, climate-controlled warehouse with a more efficient layout to improve donation management and storage, expand bulk sales, and increase annual revenue.
· Expanded parking with safer traffic flow and a separate donation drop-off area.
Groundbreaking for the new building is anticipated in late 2026, with the grand opening expected in early 2028. For more information about the new facility and SVdP NKY’s Hands of Hope Capital Campaign, please visit svdpnky.org/capital-campaign.
