St. John the Evangelist Parish

When you walk by a building, have you ever wondered what could be inside, behind the closed doors? When I was a teenager walking past Boylston Street to get to the Park Street T-stop, I often passed the entrance of St. Francis House, and I was always curious what happens inside. All I saw was a line of people outside waiting, but what are they waiting for? As a Service Commission member, I had the benefit of visiting St. Francis House this January. I was amazed at how much happens inside the 10 story building.

As you probably know by now, the St. Francis House is a day shelter that provides basic services. It offers a place for guests to sit and rest during the day, away from the elements, and it acts as a complement to the night shelters that close at 7:00 am. While inside the building, guests can have two nutritious meals, breakfast and lunch, or a snack to-go made available for those need it. Guests can also take a shower and select clothing that fits in both size and style. Beyond basic needs, St. Francis House also has an in-house Foot Clinic where guests can receive personal care as well as new socks before heading back out to the streets. St. Francis House also partners with Boston Healthcare and provides treatment to those who need it. For guests who need an address for mail, such as paychecks or personal letters, St. Francis house offers Mail Services and IDs. In 2014, St. Francis House served more than 445,000 meals, provided 7,321 showers, and distributed 6,342 changes of clothes. All of these services are available to anyone who walks through the door, no questions asked.

What makes the St. Francis House’s model unique? It strives to integrate guests back into society when they are ready to take the “next step” by offering comprehensive Rehabilitative Programs, such as substance abuse counseling, case management, vocational rehabilitation, and on-site housing. Their mission is to “invest in [their] guests so they can invest in themselves.” The Sullivan Family Moving Ahead Program (MAP) does just that. It is a vocational, curriculum-based, 14-week rehabilitation program that focuses on supporting students in gaining self-sufficiency and securing meaningful, lasting employment. Situated on the fourth floor of the 10-story building, the setting simulates a typical work environment for students to use throughout the day. Instruction includes searching for jobs, creating and revising resumes and cover letters, and practicing interview skills. The MAP Employment Services Team provides one-on-one employment support. They meet regularly with students outside of class to coach them through various aspects of job seeking process, such as how to dress for an interview. In addition, the Employment Services Coordinator has developed relationships with local businesses to create internship and employment opportunities in students’ fields of interest. The St. Francis House, as opposed to a regular government agency, continues to provide support for every graduate for as long as he or she needs it.

Similarly, the Next Step Housing Program provides 56 units of sober, on-site permanent housing. It occupies floors 7- 10 of St. Francis House. Residents pay rent based on their income, and have to sign a lease, similar to a regular rental place. The program provides a fitness room, computer room, library, and craft room for the use of all program residents. Residents move on when they are ready; there is no time limit. The St. Francis House has been named a National Model Program for homelessness. Its comprehensive approach is holistic and compassionate in helping one get back on his/her feet.

As this winter has been extremely tough with both the snow and the closing of the Long Island shelter (in Boston harbor), the basic needs have increased dramatically. This is where St. John’s community can make a big difference: our financial aid during the 2015 Lenten season can help St. Francis House meet the needs of all those who walk through the doors of this 10 story building on Boylston Street!

To be continued next week…

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, recognizing 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…