St. Mary’s Franciscan Shelter provides temporary housing for families in Chester and Montgomery Counties who are experiencing homelessness. Our goal is to be the bridge from homelessness to stable living and end homelessness for each family who enters St. Mary’s.

Our shelter works with a collaboration of local organizations, churches, and schools that refer families to St. Mary’s. Families are accepted non-discriminately, comply with the shelter rules and policies, participate in all programs, and aim to reach the goals defined in each family’s plan.

Our program has several components – Resource Navigation, Education, Life skills training, and temporary housing. The Resource Navigator works with residents to develop a goal plan, connecting with resources to move toward self-sufficiency and stability. The monthly education classes include Parenting, Finance, Faith, and Nutrition. Professional, experienced, and dedicated volunteers teach each class! Recently, we’ve added cooking, household operations, and healthy eating lessons that support living independently.

Each family’s length of stay varies depending on progress and opportunities for independent living. St. Mary’s provides all meals, and we have been blessed for over 36 years to receive a hot dinner each evening, prepared and delivered by amazing groups of individuals and organizations! We are very grateful for their generous support and dedication.

With the affordable housing challenge in this area, St. Mary’s has recently built 4 transitional housing units to serve as the next step toward stability. These provide independent living with the continued support of next-level classes in finance, household operation, and healthy eating/cooking.

If you would like more information, please call us at 610-933-3097.

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Our Mission

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 that fosters the dignity of each person, and we perpetually seek innovative ways to help families move toward independence.

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Why We Serve

In America this year, nearly 2.5 million children and their parents will experience homelessness.

Homeless families account for more than 37% of the overall homeless population.

52% of children in homeless families are under the age of 5.

At St. Mary’s Franciscan Shelter, we serve families in our community experiencing homelessness and support them along their journey toward independence and stability. We believe that with the right tools, resources, and support, families can end the cycle of homelessness.