FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Kristen Giroux, LMSW
Deputy Director, IPH
518-434-8021 | kristeng@iphny.org
September 1, 2022
Statement from IPH Executive Director regarding
incident on Sheridan Avenue
[Albany, NY] – The below statement may be attributed to IPH Executive Director, Janine Robitaille.
As many of you know, this past Monday, August 29, our Community Connections daytime drop-in center on Sheridan Avenue in Albany was the scene of a horrific and shocking attack that seriously injured a member of our IPH team. This unprecedented incident has shaken us all, and we will continue to offer counseling and other means of emotional support as we work through processing the trauma of that terrible experience. Though we are shaken, our resolve to continue providing exceptional services to the most vulnerable in our community is not. Our vital work must, and will, continue.
Our facilities exist for the purpose of changing lives, by helping those in need along their personal journeys to self-sufficiency, empowerment, and stability. An attack on an individual who helps advance this mission is an attack on our entire community and the values we share. IPH is redoubling our efforts to protect those who need our services and the heroes who help them every single day. We have made tremendous strides fighting for resources and improving lives, and this tragedy will not deter us.
It is important to note that this incident was the act of one individual; we pray that it is not the basis for generalized fear of people experiencing homelessness.
We are committed to the safety of our employees, volunteers and those who utilize our services, and are conducting a thorough review of our policies and procedures to ensure that all who rely on IPH can feel secure in our facilities.
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About IPH (Interfaith Partnership for the Homeless)
Serving the community since 1984, IPH is a leader in providing non-denominational programs and services that address the needs of homeless and at-risk individuals and families. Without judgment, IPH provides individualized services to meet each person’s unique set of circumstances. IPH operates year-round and seasonal emergency shelters; permanent housing; and community-based programs that include a daytime drop-in center and health and wellness services. IPH serves approximately 1,500 individuals and families in Albany, Fulton and Montgomery Counties on an annual basis. For more information about IPH, visit www.iphny.org.
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