Working in community with families to provide help, hope, and housing equity in Marion and Polk counties since 1987

Our Story & Who We Serve

Since 1987, St. Francis Family Housing has provided housing help for families with children in Marion and Polk counties. We are a safe place for families to heal, grow, and prepare for a permanent home of their own. We know that families come in all shapes and sizes and face many different challenges—from domestic violence to a housing market that is simply too expensive—and we are happy to welcome them all.

Our model focuses on dignity and individual needs. Families live in their own fully furnished apartments while working one-on-one with our Housing Navigators to move past the barriers in their way. With 24/7 staff support, an on-site library, and an all-weather playground, we provide a peaceful environment where parents can focus on the future while kids can just be kids.

This community-driven approach works because it treats people like people. Over the last 35 years, we’ve helped more than 1,000 families find and keep safe, stable housing. We are proud to say that over 90% of the families who join our community successfully transition into a permanent home of their own.