Building Dedication

The Emergency Shelter Northern Kentucky (ESNKY) pays tribute to local donors with Building Dedication celebration

ESNKY proudly hosted a building-dedication celebration to honor the generous contributions of its local donors. The recent event marked a significant milestone in the organization’s mission to provide Life Saving, Life Changing care to neighbors in need.

ESNKY’s recent “Help Us Home” Capital Campaign successfully raised over $4.2 million, enabling the organization to relocate its facility to W 13th Street in Covington, expand its capacity to 68 beds and operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Daytime Navigation & Engagement Center, the first of its kind in Northern Kentucky, opened with the new facility, providing essential services and support to the community.

The celebration featured inspiring speeches from several distinguished guests, including Executive Director of ESNKY Kim M. Webb, President & CEO of Drees Homes and Chairman of the “Help Us Home” Capital Campaign David Drees, Kenton County Judge Executive Kris Knochelmann, President and CEO of St. Elizabeth Physicians Dr. Heidi Murley, and Board Chair of ESNKY Tricia Watts.

Major legacy donations were recognized during the event. Thanks to a meaningful contribution from the Drees Homes Foundation, the ESNKY building was dedicated to Ralph and Irma Drees. Ralph and Irma Drees played a crucial role in establishing the first shelter, and the Drees family has proudly supported this organization for the last 15 years. At the event, Drees stated, “Out of all the homes my family has built, this one has had the greatest impact.”

Additional dedications included Durr Drive in honor of the R.C. Durr Foundation, represented by Rob Ziegler, and the Daytime Navigation & Engagement Center in honor of the Carol Ann & Ralph V. Haile, Jr. Foundation, represented by President & CEO Bernie McKay and Vice President and Senior Program Manager Chris Bochenek. Other local philanthropists and dedicators included Bill Butler of Corporex Companies, Paul Verst of Verst Group Logistics, and Tony and Gerry Zembrodt.

The dedication plaques, wayfinding and wall art that adorn the building were beautifully designed by students from the Northern Kentucky University Visual Communication Design program, adding a unique and artistic touch to the new facility.

“We are deeply grateful to our donors and supporters who have made this dream a reality. This new facility will allow us to better serve our community and provide a safe haven for those in need,” said Webb.