On-site Case Manager works together with residents to increase self-esteem and self-reliance through weekly meetings to support the goals of each family. The combined effort also keeps the residents up to date on other services and programs available in our area. A family may stay as long as eight weeks in a room assigned to them. They share a common laundry and bathing facilities and help with cleaning and chores around the shelter.
Guided by the Gospel and the spirits of Saints Francis and Clare of Assisi, we provide temporary shelter for homeless families. We create a community environment which fosters the dignity of each person, and we perpetually seek innovative ways to help families move toward independence.
In America this year, nearly 2.5 million children and their parents will experience homelessness. At St. Mary’s Franciscan Shelter, we serve these families in our community who are experiencing homelessness, and we support them along their journey to find stability, independence and a place to call home. We believe that families should stay together, and we work to ensure that during the most difficult times in their lives they can do just that. With the help of our generous volunteers, we serve over 25% of the approximate 100 homeless families in Chester County each year.