St. Anthony Foundation

St. Anthony Foundation, established in 1950 by Franciscan friar Father Alfred Boeddeker, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing comprehensive support to individuals experiencing homelessness and poverty in San Francisco.

Over the decades, it has evolved into one of the city's most extensive whole-person care providers, offering a range of services designed to address the diverse needs of its community.

Core Services Offered by St. Anthony Foundation

• Dining Room: Serving over 1,000 meals daily, the Dining Room operates 365 days a year, providing nutritious meals to those in need without any requirements or documentation.
• Free Clothing Program: As the largest free clothing initiative in San Francisco, this program distributes approximately 350,000 articles of clothing annually, ensuring individuals have access to essential attire.
• Medical Clinic: Offering primary and specialty care, including pediatrics, podiatry, and ophthalmology, the clinic serves over 2,500 families, addressing both physical and mental health needs.
• Tenderloin Technology Lab: Equipped with more than 40 computers, the lab provides access to technology and educational workshops, empowering individuals with digital literacy skills essential for modern employment.
• Hygiene Hub: Recognizing the importance of personal hygiene, the Hygiene Hub offers free access to showers, laundry facilities, and personal care products, promoting dignity and well-being.
• Addiction Recovery (Father Alfred Center): This residential program integrates counseling, spiritual services, and job training, supporting individuals in overcoming addiction and achieving long-term stability.
• STEPS (Employment Services): Formerly known as the Workforce Development program, STEPS focuses on long-term employment services and support, including job readiness training and transitional employment opportunities.
• Women's and Children's Services: Through partnerships, St. Anthony Foundation provides access to childcare, primary and specialty medical care, and the Companionship Program, offering peer support to develop critical life management skills.
• Companionship Program: This program offers blended peer support case management to help individuals build and maintain stability over time, fostering a sense of community and support.
• Resource Center: Connecting guests to a network of social services, such as rental assistance, the Resource Center serves as a vital link to additional support systems.
• St. Clare’s Care: Located inside St. Boniface Church, this initiative offers rest and respite during designated hours, a hygiene hub, medical clinic, and an addiction recovery program.
• Welcome Center: An outdoor navigation hub on the Golden Gate Greenway, the Welcome Center has connected more than 3,000 people to essential services, serving as a critical point of access for those in need.

In 2025, St. Anthony Foundation celebrated its 75th anniversary, reflecting on its legacy of providing holistic care and support to the San Francisco community.

The organization continues to adapt and expand its services to meet the evolving needs of those it serves, embodying the Franciscan spirit of service and compassion.

Locations

St. Anthony Foundation operates primarily in San Francisco, California, with its main campus located in the Tenderloin District.

The organization has also expanded its services to include the Kaplan Family Oasis Shelter in the Cathedral Hill neighborhood, providing temporary housing and support services for women, children, and families experiencing homelessness.

• Main campus in Tenderloin District, San Francisco.
• Kaplan Family Oasis Shelter in Cathedral Hill, San Francisco.

Through its comprehensive programs and unwavering commitment to the community, St. Anthony Foundation continues to be a beacon of hope and support for those in need, fostering a society where all individuals can flourish.