Other Worthy Projects

The Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, with the help of many friends and benefactors, have been able to establish several programs for the very needy in the so-called Fort Apache section of the Bronx and in other poor parts of the metropolitan New York area.  Starting when their community was established in April of 1987 they have been able to open many services in one of the most destitute sections of New York City.

The friars have also provided substantial support for the Good Counsel Home for homeless mothers for ten years. The Community, through the generosity of friends, also tries to help small but very effective services for the poor conducted by dedicated religious and lay people who do not have much of a chance to collect funds. These include Abraham House, an agency for families of those in prison and a work release program conducted by the Little Sisters of the Gospel. We also assist the John Travis Center for homeless men in the Bronx, Madonna of the Streets Shelter in Buffalo, NY, Expectant Mother Care in New York City, Lamp Ministries - volunteer lay workers for the poor, and on a need basis, a number of small but very effective programs. We are the poor helping the poor.

• The Hope Line
  
  The Hope Line has been moved to the St. Francis Center from a church basement. This provides three trained volunteers and a social worker to answer phone calls all day directing callers to proper referrals. The Hope Line also provides emergency food and clothing supplies for those who come for assistance. Hope Line is a work of the Resource Center for Community Development and is an affiliate of Catholic Charities of the New York Archdiocese. There are also citizenship classes, English classes and homemaking skills classes. The friars provide a very convenient location and facilities for this good work.
  
  
• The St. Francis House
  
  This little residence in Brooklyn for young working men who need a home has been operating since 1967. During the years it has provided a home for over 120 young men, many of whom are now making successful livings and who even contribute to the house. The building which is over 150 years old was recently refurbished and offers a bright, encouraging home to a maximum of six fellows who need a start in life. We are now rebuilding an annex in the Williamsburg area.