St. Augustine Society Inc.

Overview

St. Augustine Society Inc., often referred to in association with St. Francis House and Port in the Storm, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to combating homelessness among vulnerable families and single adults. Based in St. Augustine, Florida, the society's mission is built around providing compassion, shelter, and opportunity-driven programming for those in need.

Programs and Services

The organization operates several key programs aimed at addressing homelessness effectively:

• St. Francis House: This facility offers short-term shelter accommodations for individuals and families. It can house up to 26 men, 14 women, and 4 families. Beyond basic sheltering, St. Francis House provides case management services to help guests achieve long-term housing stability. These services include linking guests with essential services and creating individualized development plans to ensure sustainable housing futures.

• Street Outreach Services (SOS): This initiative involves engaging directly with homeless individuals on the streets, providing them with basic needs and connecting them to housing-focused services. The SOS teams are designed to assist various demographics, including adults, veterans, and youth. In recent efforts, SOS successfully helped transition many individuals from the streets into permanent housing.

• Port in the Storm Homeless Youth Center: Dedicated to homeless and unaccompanied youth, Port in the Storm offers a safe haven with drop-in services and residential beds. The center provides life skills training, job skills, and housing assistance to support youth in achieving stability and preventing chronic homelessness.

Approach to Homelessness

The organization's approach to homelessness is holistic and supportive. It emphasizes a three-step process:

1. Evaluate: Each individual's needs are assessed to tailor support services.
2. Empower: Temporary shelter is provided while helping secure stable housing. Essential support services, such as case management, are offered alongside.
3. Sustain: Connections to ongoing resources are provided to maintain stability and support.

Recognition and Impact

St. Augustine Society Inc. has received a 4/4 Star rating from Charity Navigator, reflecting its effective governance and financial management practices. With over 40 years of service, the organization has empowered thousands to transition from homelessness to stability. Through community involvement and support, St. Augustine Society Inc. continues to foster hope and stability in the lives of those it serves.

Governance and Leadership

The society's governance involves a board of directors comprising professionals from various backgrounds. This includes representatives from financial services, law, real estate, and marketing. Their leadership helps guide the organization's strategic direction and operational efficiency.