To our community,
Today is #GivingTuesdayNow, a new global day of giving and unity held as an emergency response to the unprecedented need caused by COVID-19.
Traditionally, we would use this day to ask for your support of St. Francis House, but what I really want to do is just…. thank you. You have given us so much already. These last few weeks have not been easy, but we’ve been able to feed, clothe, and comfort every individual who has walked through our doors during this pandemic and that’s because of your contributions.
You’ve met our guests’ immediate needs, giving them hope and security, and your actions have given me so much confidence that we will come through this stronger than we were yesterday.
In 2019, we accomplished great things. It’s because of you that there are now 48 new units of affordable housing in downtown Boston for people who would otherwise have been without a place to live amidst this pandemic. And it’s because of you that our Recovery Support Center opened, giving a safe space for hundreds of individuals holding tight to their sobriety while managing the traumatic experience of homelessness.
At the end of last year, our staff came together and created this video to thank you, for it was your contributions that will continue to help many individuals rebuild their lives and find their pathways to stability.
Now, halfway through 2020, our plans have had to change due to COVID-19 response. The atmosphere is different, but our resolve is just as strong, and we are hopeful. As much as they wanted to, the St. Francis House staff couldn’t make you a new thank you video, but they asked me to pass along this message with the same energy… I said I’d try.
All of us at St. Francis House have been overwhelmed by your continued generosity, concern, and support. Your determination to help your homeless neighbors leaves us inspired and I cannot even begin to tell you how honored I am to be a part of this community. Thank you for allowing us to stand true to our mission and never turn a single person away.
Please know that your support of our agency is saving lives at a critical time, and know the St. Francis House staff, residents, and guests are so grateful for you. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Karen LaFrazia
President and CEO, St. Francis House
P.S. If you want to advocate for us, we put together this one-pager on ways to support St. Francis House and this graphic for you to share with your network on social media.
We’d love to hear what St. Francis House means to you. Make sure to tag us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @sfhboston and let us know so we can share.
