St. Francis House's History

The St. Francis House is a transitional home for the homeless in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, providing an ecumenical ministry to the homeless. People of all races, genders and creeds are welcomed at the St. Francis House.

On March 15, 1987, the doors were opened to the homeless through the assistance of local churches of all denominations, civic groups, businesses and volunteers, was able to support itself. The Late Bishop Paul Dudley began operations using the Little Flower Convent to house individuals in need. Pastor David Holm, with First Lutheran Church, provided the funds to run the daily operation. Together, the two worked side-by-side to make the St. Francis House, an ecumenical ministry for the homeless, a reality.

On May 11, 2018, the St. Francis House kicked off a Homelessness to Hope Capital Campaign to not only build a new home for our guests but also to expand to serve more individuals seeking a place to live. On May 4, 2019 a groundbreaking ceremony was held as work began to build this new home for those seeking a “hand up” rather than a “hand out” in life. On a cold winter morning, the guests began moving out of the Little Flower Convent into their new home. On Friday, December 20, 2019 the first meal was served to our guests and they slept their first night in their new home. Phase II of this project is projected to be completed during the summer of 2020 providing additional beds for individuals in our community.

Today, the St Francis House still stands strong. Once our new home is completed this summer, we will serve 120 single individuals, with 60 beds for females and 60 beds for males. In addition, we have the ability to serve families with children within two buildings providing 7 family units.

Besides providing housing for those in need, we also provide three meals each day as well as case management services to assist our guests with obtaining and maintaining employment, attending treatment classes, rebuilding their relationships with family and paying off their debts to society.