Agency Details:

Our mission statement is, "Moving People From Homelessness to Hope."

Description:
The St. Francis House is an ecumenical emergency shelter for the homeless offering hospitality, fellowship, and support to those who are in need of shelter. We provide a warm bed, showers, laundry, food, and other referrals. We offer special services for reaching long term goals including employment, independent housing, and addiction recovery. *Those served at the St. Francis House include tired travelers, those coming from hospitals, treatment centers, and prisons, families looking to relocate, and anyone looking for a chance to start over. Guest have ranged from newborn infants to the elderly. We are open 24 hours a day,seven days a week including holidays.

*The St. Francis House depends entirely on private donations for its operating funds. Various grants from private foundations and the state of South Dakota have funded some new programs and renovations to the house, however, these grants are a one time gift and the improvements they funds must be maintained through our regular budget.

*We provide emergency shelter for up 39 individuals in the primary shelter and for five families in two family housing buildings on any given night. We provide three programs for our guests: 1) 7-day program. Individuals can stay for a maximum of seven consecutive days. They decide to apply for the Genesis Program or leave our home. If they leave they must be absent 30 days before they are again eligible for services. 2) Genesis program - 3 month stay. With this program, guests must have a job, attend two meetings per week, do assigned chores, and save their money. 3) Hope Program - 6 to 7 month stay. With this program, guests have completed the Genesis Program, attend weekly meetings, do assigned chores, save their money and serve as an example to the rest of the guests. All of our guests are responsible for taking an investment in the upkeep of our home. Three meals a day are provided. The St. Francis House depends almost entirely on donations and volunteers to prepare and serve meals to our guests.

History:
On March 15, 1987, the St. Francis House opened its doors to the homeless of Sioux Falls. The building which housed the shelter is owned by the Catholic Diocese, the use of which was provided by Bishop Paul Dudley. Pastor David Holm, through a fund established by First Lutheran Church, provided the original operating monies. Together Bishop Dudley and Pastor Holm worked to make the St. Francis House a reality. During the first six months in operation, 538 individuals passed through our doors. The Catholic Diocese owns the building that houses the shelter, the former Little Flower Convent.

Contact people:

Julie Becker, Executive Director, (605)334-3879, (email) Carolee Bucholz, Family Program Coordinator, (605) 334-3879 ext: 14, (email)

Address:

1301 E. Austin St. Sioux Falls, SD 57103 (See a map)

Directions:

Nearest Metro/Subway Stop: 10th & Cliff,   Walk distance (in minutes): 2 blocks from bus line   Nearest Bus Stop: 10th & Cliff, 2 blcks from bus line minute walk

Miscellaneous Information

Does this agency accept court-ordered community service?
	Yes
Does this agency accept youth volunteers?
	Yes
What is the minimum age to volunteer?
	16
What is the standard minimum age requirement for youth volunteers?
	16-100
Does this agency accept corporate group volunteers?
	Yes
Do you have volunteer opportunities for families?
	Yes
Does your agency accept youth groups that are supervised by adults?
	Yes