Our History

After reading a newspaper article about how the Secular Franciscans in Anchorage had banded together to ease the suffering of hundreds of homeless earthquake victims in the March 1964 earthquake. She pondered this for some time, wondering if their example could prove a model for the Secular Franciscan fraternity in Tacoma. This became the germ of the idea for St. Francis House.

St. Francis House moves to Puyallup – Stan and Doris began “The Franciscan Work” with the help of All Saints’ priest, Fr Jim Boyle, and the All-Saints community. The church donated the use of a parish-owned house at 501 4th Street SW. They stayed there until it was demolished in preparation for the building of the parish center.

St. Francis House moved to 212 7th Ave SW which they rented for $50 per month. They remained there 18 years, after which they moved to the present location at 322 7th Street SE. 1976 Outreach services developed over the next 25 years; families were visited in homes and hospitals, Hispanic migrant families comprised the largest percentage of clients receiving these supportive services, and English language was taught in homes. The homeless were assisted with clothing, work opportunities, food, and sleeping bags. 994 The St Francis House Board initiated a comprehensive capital campaign to raise a total of $280,000 for the purchase of the acre of property, site improvements, and clothing bank fixtures and furnishings.

St. Francis House continued in existence in the Portland Avenue location until 1986 when the building was sold. At that point, it moved to a new location at 3502 McKinley Avenue.

The process for applying for its own 501(c)3 status was initiated and negotiations with the City for operating in a residential area were conducted.

St. Francis House finds a permanent home! Due to the generosity of the Puyallup community and several significant grants, the mortgage on the St. Francis House Downtown acre was burned within 18 months.

The Meal Program began in the Armory two nights a week; later one night at St. Andrew’s Hall in Sumner, another night at Puyallup Nazarene Church, and another night at Peace Lutheran Church. Guests included homeless individuals, elderly citizens, and some families.

The new clothing bank building was completed in February. Sister Pat became the St. Francis House Executive Director in September.

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  Sister Pat becomes St Francis House Executive DIrector

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  Newspaper clipping image of Doris & Stan

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  The New Clothing Bank!

English-as-Second Languages classes began in St. Clare House, the family home building. By the end of the first year, 75 Spanish-speaking students were enrolled, attending classes twice a week.

Planning for a storage building and office building began. A capital campaign began to generate funding for buildings and expanding programs.

Storage building and office wing were completed. The first Fashionable Giving Auction was held.

After years of “yard sales” The Nook opened in a permanent location.

St Clare House was renamed Riebli House in honor of long-time volunteer and donor, Kathy Riebli. Riebli House was renovated to accommodate expanding programs. The Furniture Bank closed due to lack of space.

The Armory was sold and the Meal Program officially closed. The St. Francis House Emergency Food Pantry expanded to help combat food insecurity among our clients.

New Programs: Directions, … The Nook moved to its present location in its 11th year of existence. Sister Pat retired after 23 years as Executive Director. The Sister Pat Legacy Fund was established. Laurel Turner was welcomed as Executive Director.