Photography courtesy of Poverello House

For over forty years, Poverello House has been a steadfast source of hope for the homeless and underserved communities in Fresno, California.

At its core, the organization’s mission is simple yet profound: to offer a sanctuary of dignity and compassion to those on the fringes of society. It achieves this goal by providing hot, nutritious meals, temporary shelter, and various social services, giving individuals the opportunity to rebuild and begin anew.

A humble beginning, a lifelong commitment

The story of Poverello House began in the mid-1960s when founder Mike McGarvin, struggling with addiction and personal loss, found solace at a shelter in San Francisco. He began volunteering there, experiencing firsthand how serving others could heal the soul. Inspired by his own transformation, McGarvin moved to Fresno and started offering peanut butter sandwiches to those living on the streets. As word spread, others began to join him as volunteers, eager to help. What began as a small volunteer-run operation quickly grew, and McGarvin eventually acquired a storefront building to better serve the growing number of people in need, feeding thousands and offering a path toward healing.

Today, the organization features three food programs, two housing facilities, and connective and healing services to help those in the community regain a sense of stability in their otherwise unpredictable lives. With its holistic approach combining food security, case management, health care, job training, shelter, and more, Poverello House aims to help as many individuals as possible transition from struggles like homelessness to self-sufficiency.

Food

Given that it began with the mission to provide food, it’s no surprise that Poverello House’s latest offering is Papa Mike’s Café. The first iteration began in 2006 as a restaurant-style monthly dining experience, offering guests a chance to order from a menu and enjoy a three-course meal served with respect. Last year, the dedicated café opened, and it now offers meals until 5:00 p.m. seven days a week. Whether it’s the hearty Courtyard Slam—complete with sausage, pancakes, potatoes, toast, and an egg—for breakfast or a savory chicken sandwich or burger for lunch, the food is designed to nourish both the body and the spirit. A special kids’ menu complete with crayons and a toy ensures that even the youngest diners feel special.

What makes the café even more impactful is its role in providing job training and employment to those transitioning out of homelessness. It offers valuable experience in the food service industry, equipping individuals with the skills they need for long-term employment. These opportunities give people a chance to regain their independence and build a foundation for a better future.

Shelters

In addition to its meal services, Poverello House has vital shelter programs that provide safety and support for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. For example, its Village of Hope is a twenty-four-hour emergency shelter that offers a temporary place for homeless individuals to stay, including a warm bed, meals, and access to various resources to help them transition to more stable housing. Another, Naomi’s House, provides safe housing and support services for single women over age eighteen who are experiencing homelessness, where they’ll find a nurturing environment that can help them rebuild their lives through counseling, access to education, and job training programs. The common thread: restoring dignity and hope for individuals.

Social services

Poverello House also offers a comprehensive range of social services designed to help people regain their independence and rebuild their lives. One example is its rehabilitation program for men, which provides those with a substance abuse history six to twelve months of help in a structured environment as well as aftercare.

In addition, it’s a MAP Point location, connecting people to critical community resources throughout Fresno, such as housing assistance, employment opportunities, and health-care services that are customized to each person’s unique situation.

Whether you’re in need of assistance, seeking to volunteer, or simply looking to support a cause that uplifts its community, Poverello House is a place where dignity, compassion, and hope come together to create lasting change and every action taken is a reminder that we are all part of something bigger.

For more info, visit poverellohouse.org