Edith C. Cunnane
Visionary, philanthropist, advocate, realist, idealist, miracle worker & dedicated leader.

In the early 1980’s on a bitterly cold day, Edith Cunnane asked a group of people why they were outside. One man responded, “Lady, just where do you think I would be welcome today?” This was the inspiration that began the more than two decades of service aimed at reducing homelessness in St. Louis and caring for those who are without shelter.

Edith gave a voice and a face to the homeless people.

With the encouragement of Catholic Charities, in 1983, Edith, then a social worker, guided the early growth of St. Patrick Center. For the next ten years, she served as the Center’s first Executive Director, working tirelessly to increase services to the most vulnerable people.

Under Edith’s direction, St. Patrick Center opened the Shamrock Club, the nation’s first day treatment program for mentally ill homeless people. The Casserole program and McMurphy’s Grill were also launched under her tutelage. Programs expanded to include housing assistance, employment services and life skills training.

We salute Edith Cunnane for her commitment, dedication and service to St. Patrick Center. Her leadership created a haven and resource for the most underserved and nearly forgotten people in our community – the homeless.

read Edith Cunnane’s Town & Style feature as a “Champion for Change”