There are 8 million stories in the naked city. This line from a late ’50s police TV show is just as accurate today as it was over 70 years ago. It’s a perfect metaphor for New York City, whose residents can feel exposed and vulnerable, with problems known to only those who extend a helping hand. Each person who lives in New York City has a unique story and list of needs. For many whose stories lead them to the St. Francis Breadline, also known as Franciscan Bread for the Poor, Inc., the need for nourishment only scratches the surface.
Just blocks from the Breadline is Franciscan 360, where anyone in need can find comprehensive compassion. Every day, Franciscan 360 provides hospitality in their day room from 8:30 am – 4:00 pm.
Guests come from the St. Francis Breadline or local social service agencies and are warmly greeted by a friar or staff member with a background in social work, who then explains what 360 has to offer. This begins the process of understanding individual needs and building trust. At 360, honoring the dignity of guests is all-important.
When people come through our door, they’re welcomed in,” shares Bro. Paul O’Keeffe, Franciscan 360’s Managing Director. “They’re invited to use one of our six computers, use the internet, and get a cup of coffee. There is no pressure to share or engage in conversation. This is a sound approach, especially when we meet those who are long-term homeless—they need to get to know us and trust us to start talking about what their needs are.”
Building that trust begins with providing a private place to talk and lending a kind, listening ear.
“Many people who come to 360 have commented that we’re the nicest around,” continues Bro. Paul. “Because we take our time to listen and talk to people and engage them. We want to get to know them. It’s not just about providing a service. We want them to know that this is their safe haven while they’re here. We’ve had some instances where we’ve had to ask people to leave because they’ve been abusive to the staff or to other guests, and when people see us diffuse those situations, they get really happy. They know that we’re looking out for them—that they’re in a place that respects them.”
When guests feel comfortable enough, they can take advantage of everything 360 has to offer, including:
Case management with a qualified social worker who can help them access the following: placement in temporary and permanent housing; help obtaining identification such as birth certificates and/or state IDs; referrals for detox, rehab, and medical help; vouchers for showers and laundry services; clothing; and enrichment programs such as guitar lessons, painting lessons, and knitting classes. 360 also offers clients who have yet to be placed in housing the option to use its mailing address.
“We partner with many agencies that send guests,” adds Bro. Paul. “Sometimes, the agencies need a place to interview people about their housing needs, and they can do that here. That’s great because it’s a long process. Solutions aren’t found right away. We may interview someone, put them on a list, and then have another interview about other things they need, so it can be a process.”
Adding to the length of the process is getting the proper documents in order.
“A lot of people get their documents stolen, or they just don’t have identification,” says Bro. Paul. “When you’re on the street, some of these things are not important. One thing that not many people know about Franciscan 360 is that we’re willing to serve as a mailing address for our guests, which is a big deal. When we’re working with someone to find housing, they need a place to have their mail sent. That’s important because if you’re trying to establish residency, you need a place to have documents mailed and kept safe.
About 50 people have their mail sent to Franciscan 360. We also sign people up for different kinds of housing vouchers. So, we can broker housing as well.”
A housing voucher, or Section 8 voucher, is a federal program that helps low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities pay for private housing. The voucher can be used to pay all or part of a household’s rent, allowing them to afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing.
“Sometimes, we welcome guests who have housing vouchers and are in irregular situations. For example, their landlord has cut off the hot water, their electricity doesn’t work right, or something else is wrong with their apartment, and they’d like to make a change. In these instances, they can take that voucher and go anywhere within the city. We do a fair amount of helping people find better accommodation.”
Guests of Franciscan 360 don’t always arrive with vouchers or the time to acquire documents.
“If we meet people who need to be off the street immediately,” shares Bro. Paul, “like people with minors or those who are vulnerable because of age or mental capacity, we work with an agency that will get them off the street within 24 hours.”
One of the things that sets Franciscan 360 apart is its offering of enrichment programs.
“We provide guests with opportunities to learn guitar, paint or learn how to paint, and spend time knitting or crocheting,” reveals Bro. Paul. “Just because they’re on the street doesn’t mean they can’t explore that side of themselves.”
“Franciscan 360 and its enrichment programs offer a path out of the harsh realities of street life,” adds Adam Cross, Director of 360’s Enrichment Programs, “providing avenues for escape while simultaneously nurturing creativity and personal growth through love and support.”
In addition to offering the inspirational and connective benefits of a creative outlet, Franciscan 360 has proven to be an environment that welcomes the voices and ideas of those it serves.
“We’re going to open up a room down in our finished basement,” shares Bro. Paul.
“We’re going to put some recliners down there in response to our guests asking about where they can sleep. As you might imagine, a lot of people who live on the streets don’t sleep well at night.”
“We provide guests with opportunities to learn guitar, paint or learn how to paint, and spend time knitting or crocheting,” reveals Bro. Paul. “Just because they’re on the street doesn’t mean they can’t explore that side of themselves.”
“We’re still growing,” adds Bro. Paul. “We’re still gaining an understanding of the needs of those who come to us. Our most prominent feeder source is people from the Breadline, but word of mouth through other agencies and the unhoused themselves is bringing people to us, too. People are beginning to realize they can come here and get the help they need.”
Franciscan 360’s mission is to uplift the disempowered and unhoused by creating a supportive community that honors the dignity of every person. Franciscan 360 stands in solidarity with the poor and marginalized, guided by the Franciscan values of service to others, reverence for all creation, and peacemaking.
