ST FRANCIS-ST JOSEPH CATHOLIC WORKER HOUSE

We are a charitable homeless shelter providing 16 beds nightly, 365 days a year, on a first come, first served basis. We provide 3 meals daily to our guests including bag lunches. There is zero tolerance for drugs or alcohol use. All guests must attend at least 1 Alcoholics Anonymous meeting a week. We hold 2 AA meetings on premises open to the community. One paid staff member is on duty at the house at all times. Staff serve as mentors to guests as well. Weekly interviews are conducted by staff to monitor job status and goals of guests. It is expected that within 14 days a man will have a job & open a bank account. Pay stubs and bank statements are required as proof. Many men will go out every day very early to day labor. It is required that all show up at the evening meal where sharing information and words of encouragement are exchanged. In 2025, we had 126 intakes with 50 men staying 3 days or less. 27men stayed for the normal stay of between 60 to 90 days and went on to independent living with a job. In 2024, we had 157 intakes with 67 men staying 3 days or less. 35 men stayed for the normal stay of between 60 to 90 days and went on to independent living with a job. This is the measure of success for our mission.

A soup kitchen open to the public is held on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 11 am until 1 pm. We open our doors to all who wish to sit in our ante-room, waiting for a place at table. Alternatively, a bag lunch is handed to anyone who wishes to take one and leave. Hot soup and sandwich in Winter; fruit and sandwich in warm months; and coffee and pastry are provided. Often local families and groups assist us in greeting guests, serving and preparing food. In 2025, our average distribution was 103 meals per soup kitchen.