LETTER FROM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR JOSE RAMIREZ

Homelessness has increased steadily over the past five years, and jumped by 23% just since last year. As our fiscal year comes to an end, our numbers show that St. Francis Center has met the demand by providing over 100,000 meals to homeless guests now five years in a row, which is more than double the amount of meals served just five years ago.

100 percent of families who utilize our pantry services fall well below the federal poverty level. Families made 18,876 visits to our pantry, which included 6,730 visits to our new satellite pantries, which is up by almost 20 percent from last year.

In addition to a lack of homeless services providers in this area, there are also limited shower facilities available for the homeless. In fact, SFC provides the only shower facility south of the 10 freeway for about a five mile stretch.

Earlier this year, we were excited to add case management to our comprehensive program offerings for homeless and low-income guests. Combined with our hunger relief services, our case management program is helping provide our guests with long-term health and stability.

Will you join me in serving hope to our guests who need it most? Find out how you can help by visiting http://sfcla.org/support/