The Liberty Bell Award, as presented by the Daviess County Bar Association, was awarded to 2019 recipient, Harry Pedigo Wednesday evening.
Pedigo, who was named Executive Director of the St. Benedict’s Homeless Shelter in 2015, runs the temporary refuge for homeless men in the Owensboro community. Their mission is to provide a safe, non-judgmental environment where residents can have a warm place to sleep, shower, eat and wash their laundry in a Christian atmosphere.
“I grew up in a poor home,” Pedigo said. “I got into drugs and alcohol in my teenage years and thought that I knew what was best. I ventured out and really just roamed for the next 15 years of my life, in and out of jails and psych wards and hospitals after suicide attempts. I felt like I wasn’t worthy of anything and had basically run everyone off.”
Initially, Pedigo was under the impression he was speaking on behalf of the shelter about homelessness when he arrived at the dinner Wednesday night. However, the bar association had previously reached out to his wife Erica who was able to be a part of the big surprise.
“She normally doesn’t keep secrets [well], but I was really shocked to see my wife and kids there,” stated Pedigo. “It meant a lot to pick that up in front of my two boys. It was so good that they can be there and be a part of that.”
Several men that Pedigo and the shelter have previously helped reached out to him regarding this award and to thank him for his service.
“It reminds me that things like this aren’t about me. It’s the people’s award. It’s about all the guys that are suffering. These kinds of things give them hope. It’s nice to be acknowledged but this is just one more tool that God gives me to give someone hope,” Pedigo said. “I was shocked, with all of those names that were out there as the previous award winners, to be in that list was amazing. I don’t feel like I do anything to deserve that. I just want to help people. I just want to serve people. When something like this happens it just stuns me. I was left speechless.”
Pedigo came to Owensboro eight years ago, but at the time would have never imagined being among the recipients of such an award. His intent on coming to Owensboro was to get sober of drugs and alcohol. Pedigo is now using his story to give back and make an impact, making him one of over 50 great men and women who have changed the community for the better.
“God gave me this story — it’s not my story — it’s his to give him all the glory,” Pedigo said. “This award isn’t just for me, it’s for others too.”
Once he arrived in Owensboro, Pedigo said his life began to change and, eventually, someone asked him to come and volunteer at the shelter.
“When I walked in, I just saw myself in those guys and I knew that I could do anything that God would allow me to do, if I was lifting others up,” Pedigo said. “All glory goes to God and his grace.”
Pedigo says the guys there just keep giving him hope that he can continue to improve his life. His next step will be graduating with his Bachelor’s in social work at WKU this May 13. He then plans to start his Master’s program this fall.
For more information on supporting Pedigo’s mission at the St. Benedict’s Homeless Shelter visit: https://stbenedictsowensboro.org/
