Poverello House

Poverello House is a private, nonprofit, nondenominational organization that serves the hungry, the homeless, and the destitute of Fresno, California. Poverello House began officially in 1973.

From this location, the organization has grown tremendously. In 1992, a major expansion and renovation was completed, more than doubling the size of the building and broadening services. Poverello House now serves three meals a day, 365 days a year, to anyone in need, serves as a day shelter and safe haven for people on the streets; houses a 28-bed residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation program, a transitional home, Naomi's House shelter for single women, Community of Hope Men's Shelter, and The Village of Hope; distributes free clothing; provides recreation, mail service, transportation, and referral services.

Poverello House is able to serve the community primarily through the contributions of individuals, churches, businesses, and civic groups who donate their labor, money, or goods. We welcome inquiries about our organization, and are happy to speak to groups or conduct tours of the facility. For more information, please contact:

Poverello House

P.O. Box 12225

Fresno, CA 93777-2225

(559) 498-6988

"Poverello" is an Italian word that means "little poor man," a reference to St. Francis of Assisi, who gave away all his worldly possessions and dedicated his life to serving the poor.