Laura has lived at St. Francis Residence II since 2018, bringing warmth, generosity, and resilience to everyone around her. Originally from Philadelphia, she overcame seven years of homelessness to build a new life in New York, and since then has become a guiding force in the community. Laura leads weekly bingo games, reminds neighbors about upcoming events, and encourages others to join her in wellness activities, such as water aerobics at the Chelsea Rec Center. Whether she’s helping with coffee hour, supporting the kitchen staff, or tending the garden, Laura’s selfless spirit and boundless energy uplift the entire residence. She redefines what it means to be a resident at St. Francis, showing us how much we can achieve when we embrace opportunities with an open heart. Laura’s kindness, leadership, and determination continue to inspire everyone at St. Francis.

Sonya Katcher is a creative and spirited Recreation Therapist with a rebellious heart, paving the way to preserve the simplicity and mission set forth by the founding Friars of St. Francis Friends of the Poor. In this interview, conducted by Linda Flores, Development and Communications Manager at SFFP, Sonya reflects on her 12-year journey, the beauty of permanent supportive housing, and the importance of keeping things simple and human.

This National Volunteer Month, we’re celebrating our incredible friends who dedicate their time and talents to supporting our mission. Read on to explore how you can get involved with St. Francis Friends!

Read more about how we’re embracing the new year, including our renovation of Residence 1, part of a larger multi-residence renovation project, our visit from Assembly Member Tony Simone, and our recent resident and volunteer events!

Read more about how we’re embracing the new year, including our renovation of Residence 1, part of a larger multi-residence renovation project, our visit from Assembly Member Tony Simone, and our recent resident and volunteer events!

Our mission to permanently house vulnerable New Yorkers comes to life when friends of the poor get involved year-round.

Our mission to permanently house vulnerable New Yorkers comes to life when friends of the poor get involved year-round.

Our tenants have been thriving this summer, enjoying the sun during a Memorial Day cookout and a trip to Allaire State Park. Read what we’ve been up to.

Our neighbor Lily Gottfried created a short film exploring the origins of Permanent Supportive Housing and the St. Francis Residences.

Explore how St. Francis Friends of the Poor and Permanent Supportive Housing change lives for New Yorkers with serious mental illness. Learn about its impact, challenges, and success stories in NYC.

Meet our new Board Member, Dani Chen, a financial services professional and native New Yorker who believes that monumental change starts with stretching out a hand for someone in need.

Spring is here, and Easter is around the corner. We want to share news and highlights from our community earlier this year to welcome the new season.

St. Francis Friends of the Poor secured a LinkNYC advertisement spot across all five boroughs of New York City. The ad was secured by nonprofit partner F.Y. Eye.

St. Francis Friends of the Poor was featured on CBS News with Cindy Hsu to share our mission as a pioneer of the permanent supportive housing movement.

On December 7, 2023, St. Francis Friends of the Poor hosted its first appreciation event for supporters.

We invite you to join us in changing the narrative surrounding mental illness by replacing stigma and ignorance with care and compassion.