For Immediate Release: Jan. 18, 2023

Contact: Timothy Griffin – 573-751-4415

JEFFERSON CITY — State Sen. Steven Roberts, D-St. Louis, has filed a bill that would designate Jan. 21 as “Edith Cunnane Day” in Missouri. Edith Cunnane was prominent philanthropist, St. Louis County Council member, and activist for the welfare of unhoused Missourians. She is best known for founding St. Patrick Center in St. Louis City in 1983.

“Edith passed on January 3rd, 2020, but her legacy lives on through the lives she touched and supported around St. Louis, in particular at St. Patrick Center, which is now the leading homeless assistance organization in the City of St. Louis and among the largest homeless assistance organizations in the nation,” Sen. Roberts said.

Under Edith’s leadership, St. Patrick Center launched the nation’s first day treatment program for people experiencing behavioral health issues, and over time, expanded St. Patrick Center’s services to include housing assistance, employment services and life skills training.

Saturday, Jan. 21, 2023, will mark St. Patrick Center’s 40th anniversary and would have been Edith Cunnane’s 80th birthday.

###