As I reflect on the past year at Raphael House, I am struck by the resilience of the families we serve and the generosity of those who stand beside them. Raphael House has earned the trust and loyalty of a steadfast community of supporters like you. Over our 55 year history as an organization, this unwavering commitment to our Raphael House families has created a legacy that I am proud to carry forward. Please join me in ensuring that families have the opportunity to rebuild, stabilize, and thrive.
Earlier this year, we shared with you a special announcement: Raphael House is opening eight more rooms this summer, increasing our capacity by 50%. We have secured an investment that will help us serve more families, expand our Children’s and Family Services programming in our Residential Shelter, while also allowing us to complete much-needed capital repairs.
In this moment of welcomed expansion, Raphael House is protecting the integrity of our model by maintaining low caseloads of 1:8 and continuing the long-term support that sets us apart. Families will continue to receive one-on-one case management, daily meals, private rooms, and extended services through our Bridge Program until their youngest child turns 18. This support enables us to reach more families and deepen services at a time when our city urgently needs us to expand our efforts.
Your continued support helps us reach more families in need, while protecting the quality of our services. Last year, 88% of our families exited Raphael House to stable housing, and our Bridge Program helped families stay connected to our resources, with 95% of engaged participants reporting that they have maintained stable housing. Together, we can protect and expand results like these. Your donation will help us ensure that our new families are set up for the same success as their predecessors at Raphael House.
The greatest joy at Raphael House is witnessing how your generosity directly shapes the lives of the families we serve. Throughout the year, I have had the privilege of seeing smiling faces at our Back-to-School celebration, where children receive backpacks filled with supplies they need to start the year confident and prepared. During our Adopt-a-Family program, I watched a three-year-old light up as he opened a scooter in a box bigger than he was, followed moments later by a thirteen-year-old whose excitement to open his present was just as contagious. And this year, we had the honor of celebrating a client graduating from high school and moving on to college, after years of tutoring support from our Children’s Services Manager. As you look at the photos in this letter, I hope you can feel the joy and warmth your generosity brings to Raphael House families.
Serving as Executive Director this past year has been an extraordinary privilege. I have witnessed firsthand the remarkable commitment that surrounds Raphael House, and this year has affirmed everything I believed this organization to be, and more.
My son, after both of us had long days at work and school, turned to me and said, “You really like your new job, don’t you, Mom?” And he was right! Raphael House is a place for beautiful beginnings, fresh starts, and unbounded opportunity.
Please make your gift today. Help us continue to build futures for families experiencing homelessness in San Francisco.
With appreciation,
Tina Burgelman
Executive Director
Raphael House of San Francisco
Back to Blog