Personalized Family-Centered Solutions to Homelessness

Support doesn’t end when you leave Raphael House, a long-term family shelter with a legacy of breaking barriers in Lower Nob Hill. Founded in 1971, Raphael House was among the first to keep families experiencing homelessness together instead of splitting them apart, a principle that remains central to their mission today.

“We develop personal relationships with families and see ourselves as a long-view organization. Families have access to all the services that they receive in the shelter long after they move out,” says Marc Slater, executive director of Raphael House.

As Slater says, “Raphael House is more than just a shelter, it’s a continuum of support.”

It’s those strong relationships built in trust that compelled Janice, who first came to Raphael House over 10 years ago, to call when she found herself once again facing housing instability. Through their growing Financial Assistance for Family Stability service, Raphael House provided a security deposit and first month’s rent to move Janice and her family into a safe, affordable home.

Privately funded, Raphael House is able to determine how best to help each family, bypassing systemic barriers to services. Some families require a few months of financial aid to pay rent while others have more substantial needs. “Our private funding model gives us flexibility to pivot quickly and to create the best solutions for each individual family,” notes Slater.

Challenges are par for the course in this line of work, however, as rising inflation and a lack of affordable housing options are contributing to longer stays in shelters and increased financial needs.

“Our families’ stays in our shelter are flexible and tailored to their individual needs. While they are with us, they don’t have to worry about where they’ll sleep or where their next meal is coming from,” explains Nora Niesen, director of development. “They can just focus on doing the work to move forward in their lives.”

One single mom staying at Raphael House recently enrolled in a Medical Assisting Certificate program knowing that she had the time to focus on her education and pursue her career goals. When basic needs are no longer of utmost concern, families are able to look ahead and plan beyond the next day.

“For many families, it’s the first opportunity they’ve had to consider a different future,” Slater shares.

And as parents work toward housing, career, and financial stability, children participate in after-school tutoring and academic enrichment programs designed to bolster confidence and ensure continued success in school.

Family by family, Raphael House is breaking the cycle of homelessness.