Giving Homeless Families the Resources They Need for a Brighter Future

Raphael House was founded in 1971 in Northern California as the first homeless shelter specializing in keeping families together. The need for housing support is more vital than ever, and the success of Raphael House is unmatched. On average, 90% of the families they serve in the Residential Shelter achieve stable housing – an achievement that wouldn’t be possible without donors like you.

Raphael House served 158 families (617 individuals) last year and 67% of families at Raphael House were led by single mothers. New families are warmly welcomed and provided with their  own private room and key, daily nutritious meals, clothing, and everything else that is needed to help them start their healing journey and begin the next chapter of their lives.

Janice is one of the 20,000 who have been touched by the work of Raphael House since its inception.  

“I wanted to be the best mom I could,” says Janice. “Having just a safe space with a locked door, I was like, ‘I can do this!’ At Raphael House, I had support, boundaries, commitment – things I don’t think I had ever had before in my life.”

For parents like Janice, Raphael House makes it possible to build a brighter future. They can learn how to manage finances, attend parenting and wellness courses, and gain access to career development services. Feeling empowered to succeed, Janice and her family had stable housing for 10 years. When her apartment building was set to be demolished, Janice found herself at risk of experiencing homelessness again. 

She felt stuck. Janice reflects, “When stuff started getting scary, I was like, ‘Who can I reach out to?’ I reached out to Raphael House and they were there with open arms to help me through the tough time.”

Working with Raphael House’s trusted staff, Janice was able to secure stable housing again.

“Knowing that my kids have a safe place, a home – there’s no better feeling than that.”