Our Story

Founded by Luther Place Memorial Church in 2001, the Steinbruck Center initially served as a response to the need for urban immersion and ministry education for groups that were partnering with N Street Village, an organization founded by Luther Place in 1973. In our first year we hosted four groups. Over the last 19 years, the Steinbruck Center has developed into a robust ministry, offering programming and hostel accommodations to visiting youth, student, and activist groups. This ministry is named for Pastor John and Erna Steinbruck who served the Luther Place congregation and surrounding community for over three decades beginning in 1970.

In 2014, the Steinbruck Center won the Community Partner of the Year Award from Break Away (a national alternative breaks organization) and in 2018 we began renovations of the 4th floor of Luther Place, expanding our hostel and capacity for hospitality by growing the space to a total of 64 beds.

Today, the Steinbruck Center engages Luther Place as a congregation and community in learning, serving, and justice seeking. Visiting groups come to learn, serve, and be immersed in our community, so they are equipped to seek justice in their own context.