A Season of Creativity, Community, and Expansion
As we reflect on the life and legacy of Pope Francis, we at St. Francis Friends continue the Franciscan legacy of caring for every person. Through permanent supportive housing, we empower formerly homeless men and women to heal, grow, and thrive within a compassionate community.
This June, we’re celebrating the friends and staff who make our mission possible by sharing their joy, talents, and vision. Read on to hear about our music-filled visit from City Council Member Erik Bottcher, the creativity of Sonya, our Art Coordinator at Residence 1, and our vision for the future of the St. Francis Residences.
A Music-Filled Visit From Erik Botcher
During Mental Health Awareness Month, City Council Member and permanent supportive housing advocate Erik Bottcher visited Residence 3 to meet and connect with our residents through music.
“I take guitar lessons. When I practice here and there, and when I take lessons, it’s a work-free zone. I recommend having activities like that calendared that force you to unplug.”
- Erik Botcher
Building Community Through Creativity
At the St. Francis Residences, art is at the heart of who we are. Our arts program gives tenants the tools to express themselves, creating work that shares their vision with the community.
Featured Artwork from Residence 2
Ann W. Acrylic on paper, 2010
Meet Sonya, Recreation Therapist and Senior Case Manager
What is your name and your role at the St. Francis Residences?
My name is Sonya, and I am a Recreation Therapist and Senior Case Manager here at St. Francis Friends of the Poor.
Tell us about your experience when you first started at the St. Francis Residences.
My bosses were three Franciscan priests, and getting to know them completely changed and expanded my worldview, my mind, and my ideas about what religion is, what a nonprofit is, and what work could be. They were radical and traditional in this way, which was a perfect balance, one that especially works with our population. You have to think outside of the box because we work with outside-of-the-box people.
What is your day-to-day like?
There is no typical day, but the structure is medication and money first, so from 10 AM – 12 PM, we encourage everyone in the building to come down, get help with their medications, their budget, and talk with their benefits person.
The whole point of the program is to make people who feel invisible in the world and in the community visible. Saying hello, asking them how their mom is, how they slept, what they’re eating for lunch; getting to know them, building a real connection, and making sure they don’t ever feel like a number or a “consumer”, that they’re a valued member of the community.
What do you love about your job?
The beauty of working in permanent supportive housing is that there's always an opportunity to learn more about someone. More often than not, it takes years for someone to open up, and consistently nurturing that relationship is what has me hooked on the job. I love being surprised by people and their capacity for growth.
The Future of St. Francis Residences
Building on a decades-long legacy of impact, as pioneers of Permanent Supportive Housing, St. Francis Friends is looking towards the future. Hear from Executive Director Christina Byrne about our exciting next chapter.
"As we continue building on the strength of our community and the impact of our work, I’m excited to share that SFFP is actively working to add a fourth residence. This effort is rooted in our mission—to provide permanent supportive housing for individuals who are experiencing homelessness and living with serious mental illness, and who deserve a safe, supportive place to call home. The need is profound, and we are uniquely positioned to meet it with compassion and dignity. I can’t wait to share more as this vision unfolds—and how each of you can help bring it to life."
Will you donate today in support of our efforts to add a fourth residence?
Our mission to permanently house vulnerable New Yorkers flourishes when friends like you get involved. Learn how to lend your support today.
Donate Monthly. The sustained support of recurring donations helps us provide for nearly 300 formerly homeless folks living with serious mental illness at our three residences in New York City.
Volunteer With Us. Enhance our social, artistic, educational, and recreational programming by sharing your talents as we work together to build community and promote well-being.
Corporate Sponsorships. We provide opportunities to individuals and corporations wishing to make an impactful gift to a program or activity that resonates with their philanthropic or marketing goals.
Career Opportunities. Join our mission-driven team to transform the lives of our tenants.
Take Our Survey. We want to hear from you! Tell us how best to communicate with you about our mission.
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