To Joan Lohr, the need for a facility to feed the hungry was evident 14 years before it became a reality. However, it wasn’t until she joined forces with Fr. Robert Baker, then pastor of the Cathedral Basilica, that the movement became a reality.
In 1984, the St. Augustine Society was formed with Lohr at the helm and a soup kitchen was formed. The first meals were served at the St. Paul AME Church with volunteers from the community and churches providing the manpower.
The organization moved to its own building at 70 Washington Street in 1985, and began services under the name of St. Francis House. Although much has changed, services continue in the same building to this day. Additional services and buildings were added as the years progressed.
Shelter for men
Shelter for women added
64 Washington Street leased from St. Mary’s Baptist Church for Transitional Living Program
76 Washington Street purchased
64 Washington Street purchased
While the housing crisis campus has grown to include 3 buildings on Washington Street, the most significant changes came in 2013 with the new leadership of Executive Director, Judy Dembowski. Programs have grown from primarily meeting basic needs to the present housing-focused, client-centered format for individuals and families with children.
In 2015, our board of directors drafted a new strategic plan confirming our mission to provide housing crisis services to all in need. With that commitment, the decision was made to expand services to populations unserved in our community – in particular, unaccompanied/homeless youth.
In 2016, a 5,200 square foot youth-centered facility was purchased to shelter those unaccompanied youth. It is the only shelter providing services for male and female homeless youth in St. Johns County.
In October of 2016, a major hurricane devastated the St. Francis House campus. Most renovations have been complete. Renovations for the St. Francis Family Home are still in progress.
Today, the programs of St. Augustine Society, Inc. provide solutions that change lives for unhoused youth, adults and families.
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