Harry Pedigo is doubling down on his commitment to helping those in need in the local community. Pedigo, already the executive director of St. Benedict’s Homeless Shelter, also recently assumed the executive director position at the Daniel Pitino Shelter. He has high hopes for what is to come at both locations.
Pedigo has held his role at St. Benedicts since 2015, but his work there is not at all finished nor will it slow down due to the new position at the Pitino Shelter. In fact, Pedigo said that the two are “basically one in the same,” so working with both won’t cause any kind of disturbance.
“We are in this together. It only works and the balance only takes place because of the staff at each facility,” Pedigo said. “We have some of the most compassionate, caring, and professional individuals at both agencies. Everyone does their part and everything balances out.”
Pedigo said he was approached with the concept of a “strategic collaborative leadership” connecting the two shelters and was energized by the possibilities this could bring.
“We are just thinking outside the box for the people we serve, and so far it’s been amazing,” Pedigo said. “I love new innovative approaches and ideas.”
The title of executive director entails various duties such as marketing, grant writing, and trainings, but Pedigo said the most important task is to listen to the people he serves.
“I took on this role because of the people. They need to be heard, they need a voice, they need that place (the shelter), and that place is a staple in our community,” Pedigo said. “I took this on as a means to help leave it in a better spot than when I took it on. Whether permanent transition or just temporary, I feel I can make changes and share trades that will only enhance the organization as a whole.”
Pedigo said he doesn’t necessarily have a plan for these changes yet, and he truly wants to focus on the people he serves first. However, he does have goals that he will continuously work toward achieving.
These include “building and developing a culture that fosters growth both among clients and staff, maximizing and enhancing current programs, developing new community partnerships and awareness within the community, and collaboration and coordinated efforts between us and other shelters.”
Taking on this position won’t necessarily be easy, but Pedigo said that the rewards outweigh anything else for him.
“This field of work is emotional, strenuous, and sometimes traumatizing. However, it’s worth it,” Pedigo said. “When people come together to love and help others, that’s where I want to be. I’m happy to try to lead both Pitino and St. Benedict’s, be the voice of our people, and be the strength and guide to all the staff that make this possible.”
