St. Francis House welcomes everyone in need of a safe space, support, and services. There are no eligibility requirements to come in for a meal or other basic help. You don't need an appointment or any paperwork. Just walk in during open hours.
St. Francis House is open every single day of the year, including holidays, from 6:30 am to 3:00 pm. On Wednesdays the shelter closes at 2:00 pm. The shelter can get very crowded, so arriving early is a good idea. Breakfast is served from 7:00 am to 9:00 am, and lunch runs from 11:00 am to 1:30 pm.
Hot, nutritious meals are served every day: a full breakfast in the morning and a full lunch at midday. In fiscal year 2025, the kitchen served over 252,000 meals. Beyond food, the clothing program offers clean, everyday adult clothing through "Fresh Threads," including pants, tops, shirts, shoes, and outerwear. "Studio Shine" provides professional interview attire such as dress shirts, suits, and dress shoes for men. Toiletries and hygiene supplies are also distributed through the day shelter.
Walk in during open hours and take a seat in the dining room. Volunteers and staff serve breakfast and lunch directly to guests at the table. No registration or check-in paperwork is needed to receive a meal.
St. Francis House brings together a wide range of services under one roof:
Showers are available on-site Monday through Friday. Clean restrooms are open to all guests every day. The Women's Center provides a dedicated space with computer access. A shared day room lets guests rest, charge phones, and take a break from the street.
You can make a financial donation at give.stfrancishouse.org. Monthly giving, tribute gifts, matching gifts through your employer, planned giving, donor-advised funds, and stock donations are all available at stfrancishouse.org/ways-to-give. To donate clothing, bring new or gently used adult clothing to 39 Boylston Street. The most-needed items are listed on the Amazon wish list. For questions about clothing donations, email ksigel@stfrancishouse.org.
Fill out a Volunteer Application to get started. The review process takes one to three weeks and includes a phone screening with the Volunteer Services Coordinator. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old (or 16 with a parent present). Roles are available in the kitchen, clothing department, expressive art therapy studio, workforce development support, and the Women's Center. Corporate groups of five to six people can volunteer in the kitchen or clothing department. For group inquiries, contact Kate Parisi at kparisi@stfrancishouse.org or (617) 457-1057.
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