April 2024
ST. FRANCIS HOUSE AFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO SHELTER SERVICES AMIDST TEMPORARY PAUSE IN DAILY MEAL SERVICES
“While our commitment to serving those in need remains unwavering, we must make difficult decisions to ensure the sustainability of our core programs. Given the availability of alternative resources for day and meal services, we have made the careful decision to prioritize our shelter and support services for women and families with children experiencing homelessness, a population facing unique challenges and limited resources within our community.”
Lauri Schiffbauer
Executive Director
St. Francis House, a longstanding pillar of support for individuals and families with children experiencing homelessness, announces a temporary pause in its daily meal services beginning April 15, 2024, while reaffirming its commitment to providing shelter and support to vulnerable women and families with children. The organization stresses that this is just a brief pause in the daily meals served from 9am – 12pm daily to the community – all other shelter operations will remain the same.
Since its inception in 1981, St. Francis House has remained steadfast in its commitment to adapting and evolving its services to meet the ever-changing needs of the community. Amidst the challenges of the past years, the organization has remained a beacon of hope, providing essential services and safe, secure shelter to those in need. In response to escalating operational costs, including a significant 30% increase in daily operational expenses, and the need to carefully allocate resources, St. Francis House has made the difficult decision to temporarily suspend its daily services for the hungry and homeless in the community. This decision comes after thorough consideration and a recognition of the availability of similar services provided by other organizations within the community.
St. Francis House will continue to provide shelter, resources, and encouragement to vulnerable women and families with children through its Emergency Shelter, offering essential support services including three daily meals, case management, housing location assistance, and referrals to additional support resources. Since January 2020 alone, St. Francis House has assisted over 600 adults and children in families, offering guidance and support to those facing homelessness. Through individualized case plans and dedicated assistance, the organization has empowered its guests, with 97% of former shelter families successfully transitioning into permanent, affordable housing upon program completion.
“Our success is measured not only by the number of people and children we serve but by the lasting impact we have on their lives,” Schiffbauer added. “By providing a safe haven and the necessary resources, we are empowering individuals and families to create brighter futures for themselves.”
As St. Francis House faces the challenges of rising operational costs, the organization remains resolute in its mission to serve the most vulnerable members of the community, women and families with children experiencing homelessness. St. Francis House extends its gratitude to donors, volunteers, and community partners for their continued support and pledges to navigate these challenges with resilience and compassion.
“While we recognize the impact of this temporary pause on our daily community meal services, our priority remains the well-being and stability of those we provide safe shelter to,” Robert Atwood, President of the Board of Directors of St. Francis House, stated. “Since our beginning, St. Francis House has remained dedicated to serving those in need with compassion and dignity. In these challenging times, our commitment to our community has never changed, and we are proud to continue our legacy of service. We are deeply grateful for the ongoing support of our community, which enables us to continue our mission of creating new futures for women and families with children experiencing homelessness.”
To donate or learn more about supporting St. Francis House, visit https://stfrancishousegnv.com/donate or send a check/money order to PO Box 12491, Gainesville, FL 32604.
All contributions are fully tax-deductible as St. Francis House is a registered 501(c)(3) organization.
For inquiries or additional information, please contact St. Francis House at: [email protected] or 352-378-9079
Media Contact: Katelyn Drummet, Director of Development, St. Francis House
[email protected] | 352-378-9079 x317
