Francis House Center assistance programs.
The homeless and struggling in Sacramento County are the main clients of the Francis House. The center offers emergency support, such as shelter, as well as job placement services. There are several resources used by the non-profit in an effort to meet this need, and they range from those at the Family Rescue Program to the Development Center and more.
Francis House’s Family Rescue Program provides emergency shelter for parents, whether single or married, as well as guardians of minor children. The applicants need to have children 18 years and younger and they also need to be currently enrolled in high school.
As space allows, they will also house women in the last trimester of pregnancy, and the shelter in Sacramento County may be the only option for single fathers with children. Applications for this emergency program must be completed in person, and as noted, all applicants are required to have custody of minor children or be pregnant.
Emergency Motel Vouchers are very limited, but this is another short term housing option for guardians or parents of minor children. In order to participate, applicants must work with a personal development coach towards self-sufficiency throughout the application process. While the non-profit will try to accept walk-ins, resources are limited and demand for a voucher is very high.
Staff are involved in Personal Development Coaching, and this service assists clients with goal planning, combined with comprehensive resources. The process begins with a one-on-one appointment with a coach or some type of specialists, followed by more appointments for additional help and planning.
The Job Development Center from Francis House will help address under or unemployment. Trained staff and volunteers from the organization are available to assist people las they ook for work or housing. The JDC is equipped with printers or computers for guests to use for free to write cover letters, create resumes, complete applications, and communicate with prospective employers. Specialists from the center also offer access to an array of resources and make referrals.
The Employment Support (Fast Track) service furnishes free buses passes and other assistance for public transit. This is available in Sacramento County for those who have secured new jobs but lack the funds to get to work.
Help with obtaining identifications is available, and this is the case through a generous grant from the Ann Land/Bertha Henshal Foundation. As a result of this, Francis House has the funding to purchase a limited number of California IDs from the Department of Motor Vehicles. There will normally be a minimal fee for this.
Those in need of financial assistance for paying for the ID are required to participate in a lottery-style drawing, and this is first come and served. So there are some options for people with no other resources available.
Francis House provides direct financial assistance in to purchase Regional Transit ID cards to distribute to the disabled and seniors. With this card, the holder is able to ride public transit in Sacramento at half price. Proof of age and disability is needed too.
In some cases, Francis House Center may be able to assist with obtaining new prescription eyeglasses. This is done in partnership with area LensCrafters stores.
Free personal hygiene kits containing items such as shampoo, toothbrushes, soap, lotion, razors, feminine hygiene products, and so on are distributed to homeless and other income qualified Francis House guests. The non-profit will also always welcome and depend on the generosity of community members to donate.
Partnerships and referrals are available from Francis House Center as well. In an effort to better serve clients and the working poor, they work with agencies on certain days of the week to provide other services such as below.
- The River City Food Bank has staff to help with completing CalFresh Program applications.
- A local Veterans’ Administration Advocate assists Sacramento residents with employment, health care benefits, housing resources and programs, substance abuse treatment, assessment, and other VA resources.
- The Sacramento County Triage Nurses offer basic care and can treat minor injuries and ailments or offer referrals to specialists when needed.
The location of the Francis House Center is at 1422 C St., Sacramento, CA 95814. For information, call 916-443-2646.
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