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BY THOR JOURGENSEN
LYNN — The search is on for a new leader of the Lynn Shelter Association.
Marjorie St. Paul, the nonprofit’s executive director, is retiring. Founded in the 1980s, the group provides shelter options and programs for the homeless in the Greater Lynn area.
In a statement, the Association credited St. Paul with making financial improvements and forging community relationships during her tenure.
Charles Gaeta, the Lynn Housing Authority & Neighborhood Development executive director echoed that praise.
“She was hard-working, compassionate and dedicated,” he said. “The organization had great growth under her tenure.”
Thomas Colligan will serve as the shelter’s interim director until a permanent director is found. He works for Third Sector New England, a Boston-based organization whose purpose is to provide management and leadership resources for nonprofits.
The Association’s statement said the group will continue to provide compassionate care and shelter to people who are homeless and at-risk of homelessness in the area, follow contemporary, evidence-based principles and best practices in harmony with other providers of services and shelter to the vulnerable population.
St. Paul could not be reached for comment. In a statement she said, “I was so proud to be part of a community that cared deeply for all of its citizens. The work being done in Lynn, not only for homeless people, but for the elderly, for veterans, and for all in need is unparalleled. I cannot think of a more community-oriented city and I leave it with a heavy heart.”
With a $4 million annual budget the shelter operates the adult emergency shelter downtown and three congregate shelters located on Western Avenue, Green and Baker streets. It also operates the Osmund, a former hotel opposite the shelter providing semi-independent living arrangements, as well as case management for a shelter on High Street.
The charity’s board of directors hopes to hire a successor in a few months, said board chairman Allison Brooks.
With as many as 60 people sleeping in shelter beds on an average night with more sheltered in the winter, Brooks said the next executive director faces challenges, such as providing homeless individuals a place to go to during the day.
St. Paul’s successor must also broaden and deepen relationships with other social service agencies, she added.
“We would like to be the best we can be in terms of getting the support we need,” Brooks said.
Gaeta said the next shelter director also must contribute to changes in the way organizations aid the homeless, including strategies to rethink predominantly providing services in cities. He credited St. Paul with the mutual respect she enjoyed with city officials and her work with Association Street Advocate Pat Byrne.
Thor Jourgensen can be reached at [email protected]