San Francisco Church Lets Homeless People Sleep Inside Each Night

The homeless suffer in a variety of ways and sadly, there are too many people out there who are willing to overlook their issues. It is easy to walk past them when you see them on the street but fortunately, there are others who are happy to do what is right. We recently learned of a San Francisco church that is providing homeless citizens with the help they need.

The Gubbio Project ensures that homeless people in the area are receiving the necessary assistance. 225 homeless people are given the chance to enjoy the sanctuary of St. Boniface church in San Francisco.

Community activists Shelly Roder and Father Louis Vitale are responsible for the start of The Gubbio Project back in 2004. It is a non-denominational project of St. Boniface Neighborhood Center located in San Francisco’s Tenderloin neighborhood.

They saw the growing problem and decided to address it. Now, more men and women finally have a decent place to sleep. “No questions are asked when our guests walk into the churches; in an effort to remove all barriers to entry, there are no sign-in sheets or intake forms. No one is ever turned away; all are welcomed, respected and treated with dignity,” the project website states.

The front third of the church is used for daily mass but the back two thirds is used to assist the homeless. “This sends a powerful message to our unhoused neighbors – they are in essence part of the community, not to be kicked out when those with homes come in to worship,” the non-profit organization shares. “It also sends a message to those attending mass – the community includes the tired, the poor, those with mental health issues and those who are wet, cold and dirty,” their statement continues.

Massage services, warm blankets, socks, and hygiene kits are also offered to the homeless. This is a great way to assist the community and keep these down and out citizens from having to fend for themselves.

Let’s all do our part to inspire others by taking the time to share this story far and wide. Let’s hope that other cities decide to follow the lead of The Gubbio Project. With all of the buildings that we have access to, there is no reason for people to be forced to sleep on the streets.

Hopefully it’s an idea that will catch on and inspire other churches to start something similar!