St. Francis has hosted the Rotating Shelter Program, sponsored by InnVision, for several years now.   Contact the shelter coordinator if you want to get involved!  See Ways You Can Help.

Here's some background:

Who are the homeless?  Children.   Women.  Men.  Families.  Today's homeless population is very diverse.  They include victims of eviction, urban renewal, unemployment, illness, family breakup and substance abuse.  Members of this vulnerable group have suffered most from the lack of decent, affordable housing.

What is the rotating shelter program?  This is a proven and effective way for the community to offer shelter, meals, and assistance to homeless singles or families.  St. Francis teams with other churches in the area to provide overnight lodging and meals for up to 15 men for up to one month on a rotating schedule.  We're part of the larger InnVision Community Rotating Housing Program. 

Why churches and synagogues as shelters?  Housing the homeless in houses of worship is less costly than building and operating permanent shelters.  It locates guests in a nicer environment.  And, as hosts, we provide a human touch that can make a big difference in these indivduals' lives.

Why should I get involved? Your role as a volunteer is fundamental to the success of the program.  You can do simple but important things, like talking to the guests, listening to them, treating them with respect.  You can be a source of hope when hope has been lost.

The ways you can help:

• Be a host/hostess - At 6 p.m. open up the hall, make sure the facility is in order, eat with the men and visit until about 9 p.m.
• Cook and serve a dinner - At 7 p.m. provide dinner for the men and their hosts (about 20).  Use St. Francis' kitchen or bring pre-cooked.  The men will help with the cleanup.
• Cook and serve breakfast - On Saturday and Sunday at 7 a.m.
• Other opportunities available - See Shelter Coordinator.

Community Inns is sponsored by the Council of Churches of Santa Clara County and InnVision, a social services agency.  Each carefully screened participant will be spending each night at St. Francis with an overnight supervisor staying with them.  The men are gone during the day when they work, look for jobs, and/or look for permanent housing.