In 1984, the Franciscans opened St. Francis House in the heart of downtown Boston, just east of the Boston Common, on Boylston Street. It started as a simple bread line yet 30 years later it is the largest day shelter in the Commonwealth. Today it supports over 800 poor and homeless women and men each day, every day. During its 30-year history it has pioneered unique ways of supporting the homeless and along the way it received national recognition for its efforts. The 1990s marked a period of tremendous growth for St. Francis House
In 1990 the Social Security Administration named it a National Model Program for its representative payee program that enables guests to receive their benefits. In 1995 it began the Moving Ahead Program (MAP), a 14-week job and life skills training program. MAP serves 200 students a year and boasts more than 1,200 alumni.
In 1997, recogniz
ing the need for interim housing for some of its population, St. Francis House opened the Next Step Housing Program which provides 56 units of independent living.
In the 2000s St. Francis House expanded its quarters to accommodate the growing needs of its population. During the past decade it has renovated its kitchen and dining room, established a Women’s Center and expanded its number of units to
permanent housing.
Over the past 30 years St. Francis House has come a long way. Once it was a breadline, yet today it is a vibrant force in Boston providing not just meals but also rehabilitative programs for the poor and homeless.
It is noteworthy that St. John the Evangelist has supported St. Francis House since its inception, contributing funds to its operations since the 1990s and, more recently, organizing an annual men’s clothing drive each spring. This year’s Lenten gift to support St. Francis House will continue a long tradition started by Fr. Philbin.
To be continued next week…
