Helping Denver's Homeless
St. Francis Center is a refuge for men and women who are homeless in the metro Denver area, providing shelter along with services that enable people to meet their basic needs for daily survival and to transition out of homelessness. On an average day, over 700 different people visit St. Francis Center, and on a busy day, over 900 people may pass through their doors.
Good Shepherd supports St. Francis Center's efforts by organizing volunteers to work at the center located in Downtown Denver. Volunteering provides an opportunity to serve the less fortunate and to understand the many issues facing the homeless community in Denver. Some of the jobs include handing out mail and personal items, working in the laundry facility washing, sorting and replenishing supplies and putting these items in the “clothes closet”. And of course, greeting and talking to the guests is a big help.
who are "the homeless"
There is no one typical person or family that becomes homeless; the circumstances of each person’s life are uniquely theirs. The four main reasons why people become homeless are loss of job, domestic abuse, mental health problems, and increased rent. In some cases, substance abuse is a factor, but it is not the primary cause of homelessness.
Today there are more homeless families than ever before, with 60% being parents and children in families, and 40% being single adults.
One lost paycheck, one catastrophic event, and becoming homeless can and is a reality for many.
Volunteer at St. Francis
Learn more about the work of St. Francis Center by visiting their website.