Lack of sleep is one of the most serious health problems for the homeless.
An average of 225 homeless people seek safety and rest on the benches in St. Boniface church in San Francisco every day, thanks to the Gubbio Project.
The Gubbio Project was co-founded in 2004 by community activists Shelly Roder and Father Louis Vitale. They started this project in response to the increasing numbers of homeless men and women in need of shelter from the streets.
“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’s website states.
While the church uses the front 1/3 of the hall for church-goers to celebrate daily mass at 12:15 pm, the Gubbio Project uses the back 2/3 of the hall.
“This sends a powerful message to our unhoused neighbors—they are an important part of the community, not to be kicked out when those with homes come in to worship,” the non-profit organization says. “It also sends a message to those attending mass—the community includes the tired, the poor, those with mental health problems and those who are wet, cold and dirty.”
In addition to a place to rest, the church offers warm blankets, socks, health experts, and massage services.
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