HUMBLE BEGINNINGS

In 1986, the St. Francis Center began providing food, clothing, and other essential services for “working poor” families out of a small house in the Fair Oaks neighborhood. The center focused on providing these essential services so that families had everything they needed to live with dignity. Over the past twenty years, the neighborhood has found itself at the epicenter of the thriving technology sector in Silicon Valley. As the cost of living rises and affordable housing becomes a thing of the past, the St. Francis Center has evolved to meet the needs of the families who live and work in Redwood City.

In addition to the essential services that we still provide, the organization now includes the new 10,000 sq. foot St. Francis Center, Siena Youth Center, Holy Family School, and eight apartment buildings for low-income families.

What hasn’t changed is our commitment to providing services with compassion, not judgment. The St. Francis Center is now a thriving community-based organization in the heart of the Fair Oaks Neighborhood that partners with clients to build strong families in a strong neighborhood.