ABOUT US
OUR MISSION
ST. FRANCIS HOUSE IS ESTABLISHED IN THE SPIRIT OF ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI TO BE A PRESENCE IN SEATTLE TO SERVE THOSE IN NEED AND TO INSPIRE SIMPLICITY AND CHARITY IN ITS VOLUNTEERS AND THOSE THEY SERVE.
WHO WE HELP
Approximately 11,000 people in King County are homeless, living in shelters, under freeways, in doorways and in cars. They are men, women, children, veterans, and the mentally ill. Then there are the thousands and thousands of working poor in the Seattle area who are barely scraping by. The struggles these people face day-to-day often seem insurmountable.
OUR HISTORY
Since 1967, the volunteers, staff and donors of St. Francis House have served many of these poor and needy by following the example of St. Francis as expressed in his prayer. From a modest beginning at an old storefront on Yesler Way, to our current location on 12th Avenue, St. Francis House has continually expanded services
OUR COMMUNITY
Today we serve hundreds of people each week, Monday through Friday. Everything that is donated to us is given to someone in need. St. Francis could not serve others without the help of our wonderful Community Partners. Click here to see a list of all our partners who help make our work possible.
STAFF
LAURA YOUNG
Executive Director
laura@stfrancishouseseattle.org
After leaving a 20 year career in commercial real estate and development, Laura followed her heart to St. Francis House as an Associate Director in May 2017. Laura is a University of Washington and Cabrini Ministry graduate who yearned to use her real estate development background more altruistically. After learning about the mission of St. Francis House, and their upcoming redevelopment, she knew she had found her new home. Laura became Executive Director in October of 2019 and looks forward to shepherding St. Francis House through its exciting redevelopment process with Plymouth Housing Group toward a sustainable future. Laura's favorite part of her job is working with the amazing team of staff and volunteers at St. Francis House, and her friendships with the clients.
In her freetime, Laura enjoys spending time with her family, friends and dogs on San Juan Island.
Karin Herman
Associate Director
karin@stfrancishouseseattle.org
Karin joined the director team at St. Francis House in August 2021 eager to get back in the non-profit sector. Before taking some time off to stay home with her children she worked for 10 years at a Seattle based Adult Day Health non-profit doing intake and case management. Connecting clients to services in the city has always been a passion for her and she is able to continue that impactful work with her new position. She brings her social service background to St. Francis House and enjoys connecting with clients and providing direct service to those in need.
A graduate of Seattle University (‘99, B.A. Psychology) Karin loves being back on Capitol Hill and connecting with individuals in the community south of campus, both volunteers and clients. The need for services in Seattle is increasing and Karin joins St. Francis House ready to help and make a positive impact.
In her off time Karin enjoys spending time with her husband and three children, reading and attending her book clubs, and spending quality time with friends.