Learn More About Us
Mission
Moving people from homelessness to hope.
Vision
Honoring St. Francis, we successfully meet the evolving needs of individuals experiencing homelessness in our community.
Values
Welcoming each guest with mutual respect seeking to understand without judgement.
Embracing volunteers, community partners and donors as they join in our work.
Professionalism, loyalty and consistency in the delivery of services.
A focus on prevention of homelessness using proactive supports customized to meet the unique needs of each guest.
A caring spirit in the service to each guest.
Safety of all guests and the staff who serve them.
We evaluate ourselves through the eyes of people’s first impression.
We strive to exceed customer expectations.
Our facilities will be physically and psychologically pleasing.
Our History
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Our History -
The St. Francis House is a transitional home for the homeless in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, providing an ecumenical ministry to the homeless. People of all races, genders and creeds are welcomed at the St. Francis House.
On March 17, 1987, the doors were opened to the homeless through the assistance of local churches of all denominations, civic groups, businesses and volunteers, was able to support itself. The Late Bishop Paul Dudley began operations using the Little Flower Convent to house individuals in need. Pastor David Holm, with First Lutheran Church, provided the funds to run the daily operation. Together, the two worked side-by-side to make the St. Francis House, an ecumenical ministry for the homeless, a reality.
On May 11, 2018, the St. Francis House kicked off a Homelessness to Hope Capital Campaign to not only build a new home for our guests but also to expand to serve more individuals seeking a place to live. On May 4, 2019 a groundbreaking ceremony was held as work began to build this new home for those seeking a “hand up” rather than a “hand out” in life. On a cold winter morning, the guests began moving out of the Little Flower Convent into their new home. On Friday, December 20, 2019 the first meal was served to our guests and they slept their first night in their new home. Phase II of this project was completed during the summer of 2020, providing additional beds for individuals in our community.
Today, the St Francis House still stands strong. We now have the ability to serve 135 single individuals, with 35 beds for females and 25 beds for males. In addition, we have the ability to serve families with children within two buildings providing 7 family units.
Besides providing housing for those in need, we also provide three meals each day as well as case management services to assist our guests with obtaining and maintaining employment, attending treatment classes, rebuilding their relationships with family and paying off their debts to society.
Our Homes
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Our Homes -
2019-Present
Main Shelter
On December 20, 2019, our guests moved into our new facility. Construction on the new facility began in April of 2019 and was completed in two stages. Stage 1 consisted of the south residential wing, offices, kitchen and dining areas, Stage 2 was the north residential wing, which sits where the original building served as our home since 1987. The entire project was completed in the summer of 2020.
Our new facility accommodates 120 guests (60 male, 60 female). In addition, our new facility features a commercial kitchen, two conference rooms, a game and fitness room, a meditation room and staff offices.
1987-2019
Previous Main House
On March 15, 1987, we welcomed those needing a warm and safe place to stay into our home. The late Bishop Paul Dudley began operations using the old Little Flower Convent. First Lutheran Church, through Pastor David Holm, provided the operational funds to run the operation. Together the two worked side-by-side to make the St. Francis House, an ecumenical ministry for the homeless, a reality. The old Carmelite monastery was used as as our main shelter housing single males and females for nearly 33 years before it was torn down in 2020 to make room for our new facility.
Multi-Family Housing/Quad
2009-Present
In 2009, we launched a capital campaign to build a new family unit capable of housing up to four families. The building was able to open its doors in December of 2009 in thanks to our generous neighbors, businesses, and the Helmsley Foundation.
2009-Present
Tri-Plex
On February 18, 2009, we opened the Tri-Plex in answer to the still growing need of transitional housing for families in Sioux Falls. The Tri-Plex, located only a few blocks away from our main shelter, houses up to three families with children. The building was transferred to the St. Francis House from another non-profit agency upon request of the City of Sioux Falls.
2024-Present
Copper Arms
In April 2024, due to the support of Sioux Falls Housing and the MacArthur Foundation, the St. Francis House was able to purchase Copper Arms, which is located one block from the main campus. This complex has eleven units for individuals who are ready to transition into the next stage of their programming. This opportunity allows them to continue rebuilding their lives, while a Case Manager follows along on their journey to provide support and community referrals.
We took over management of this property in April, so if you have beds, dressers, couches, recliners or small tables and chairs , or you can make a financial donation. We would be grateful to receive them as we want to furnish these units for individuals who will be renting them.