February 2012

 Dear Friends,

 Like most mornings, he sauntered in at precisely 10:15, greasy blond hair swinging to touch his wide smiling lips. “Charles,” he announced to ­the familiar face taking roll at the door. As the food volunteers greeted him and asked if he would like crackers, brown bread, or a biscuit, Charles asked their names and what they were doing at a homeless kitchen early on a Monday morning.
 “I go to UF and volunteer for the MBA department,” Zack explained. “I started volunteering here for a class, and years later I still love to come every week,” Alejandro added as others voiced their agreement.
 “What about you, Charles? What are you doing here this morning?” a student asked affectionately. His face clouded for a moment, but then Charles smiled and said, “This morning, I am finishing the last book I could find in the St. Francis House library that I haven’t read! I love this author.” The two chatted about books and English literature, the student’s major, as Charles filled his plate with a hearty meal and said goodbye.
 These conversations happen every morning as hungry men and women flood the St. Francis House looking for hot meals and a warm smile.  Since October 2011, the shelter has served more than 700 new faces, and our volunteers have been faithful to take time from their busy schedules and assist the homeless every week.
 Working adults enjoy starting their mornings in service to the community they have grown up in; students look forward to the conversations with the friends they have made through other volunteers. However, every volunteer is at the St. Francis House because they have a heart for the homeless of Alachua County. There are more than 1,700 people homeless in our county, and the St. Francis House uniquely works to meet their needs by providing food, transitional housing, basic necessities, case management, and employment services. $300.00 will provide these services for a family of 4 for one week.
 This month, we want to say Thank You, because we know our supporters have a heart for the homeless, too. If you would like to show extra love to the homeless in your community this holiday, we have made donation hearts available if you wish to give. May your February brim with love and charity!
 

Sincerely,

Kent Vann, Executive Director &
Georgiann Ellis, St. Francis House Board Member