A Message from the Executive Director at St. Francis House

Together We Can Create New Futures

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to you today with an urgent appeal on behalf of St. Francis House, a cornerstone of hope and support for women and families experiencing homelessness in our community.

As you may know, inflation and the cost of living has risen significantly, resulting in a staggering 30% increase in our daily operational expenses over the past year alone. This spike in expenses presents a formidable challenge to our organization as we strive to maintain the vital services and resources that are lifelines for those in need.

Despite these financial pressures, our commitment to serving the most vulnerable members of our community remains unwavering. However, we cannot do it alone. We urgently need your support to bridge the gap and ensure that we can continue providing essential services to women and families with children who are experiencing homelessness.

Your financial contribution will directly impact our ability to:

Provide safe and supportive shelter for women and families in crisis
Deliver critical support services such as case management and counseling to address the unique needs of each guest and family
Meet the basic needs of our guests, including food, clothing, and essential items
Offer affordable, transitional housing to low-income women and women with children
Access to educational programs and job training initiatives to empower individuals to secure stable employment and self-sufficiency

Your support is more crucial now than ever before. Without it, we risk being unable to sustain our operations and maintain the level of care and support that our clients depend on.

Please consider making a donation today to help us continue our mission of Creating New Futures for women and families experiencing homelessness. Your generosity will make a tangible difference in the lives of those who need it most, offering hope, stability, and the opportunity for a brighter future.

To make a donation or learn more about how you can support St. Francis House, please visit our donation page or send a check/money order to our mailing address at PO Box 12491, Gainesville, FL, 32604. Every contribution, no matter the size, brings us one step closer to our shared goal of empowering individuals and families to thrive.

Thank you for your consideration and for standing with us in our commitment to serving those in need. Together, we can make a profound and lasting impact in the lives of women and families experiencing homelessness in our community.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Lauri Schiffbauer

Executive Director