ERLANGER, KY (Sept. 15, 2026) — St. Vincent de Paul Northern Kentucky (SVdP NKY) officially broke ground today on the organization’s new headquarters and community outreach building, bringing together SVdP NKY leaders, local lawmakers, and key stakeholders to mark the official start of construction and the culmination of the Hands of Hope Campaign.
“Our Vincentians, our staff, our community partners, and most importantly, the neighbors we serve deserve a place that reflects the dignity and care at the heart of our mission,” said Karen Zengel, St. Vincent de Paul Northern Kentucky Executive Director. “Taking on our first capital campaign ever was a big decision.”
Once completed, the 40,000+ square-foot facility will house SVdP NKY’s administrative offices, larger warehouse space, a significantly expanded choice food pantry, a larger thrift store, an assistance call center, and a multipurpose community room with a teaching kitchen. It will also include separate entrances for retail and outreach services and improved traffic flow and parking.
“Instead of walking through a busy thrift store, a neighbor seeking assistance will enter through a dedicated entrance designed specifically for them,” said Dawn Groneck, St. Vincent de Paul Northern Kentucky Council President. “They will be welcomed into a calm, inviting space where they can share their story with dignity and connect directly with the support they need.”
The new building is located at 2864 Crescent Springs Road in Erlanger, approximately one mile away from SVdP NKY’s current headquarters. It is the first purpose-built facility in SVdP NKY’s 103-year history and reflects their long-term commitment to serving neighbors and strengthening SVdP NKY’s presence in Erlanger and throughout Northern Kentucky.
“For more than century, St. Vincent de Paul has been serving our neighbors throughout Northern Kentucky,” said Erlanger Mayor Jessica Fette. “For many years, Erlanger has been blessed to be part of that mission and to serve as the home of its existing facility. Today marks a tremendous milestone in that long and meaningful relationship as we break ground on a new campus that will allow this ministry to serve even more people for generations to come.”
Representatives with GBBN, the architects for the project, and HGC, the project’s general contractor, took part in the celebration. The groundbreaking ceremony also included a blessing of the site and construction equipment by Deacon Jim Fortner, Chief Operating Officer with the Diocese of Covington, and a ceremonial turning of the soil.
With construction now underway, the new facility is expected to be under roof by January 2027, with construction anticipated to be completed in fall 2027. SVdP NKY will begin moving into the new facility next fall, with the grand opening anticipated in early 2028.
