Ribbon Cutting held for St Francis House Kitchen Renovation

Assistant Director Karen Hensel, reported to Historic City News in St Augustine that on Thursday, April 7th, the St Johns County Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony for the newly renovated kitchen at St Francis House.

Participating in the celebration were representatives of St Johns County’s four Rotary Clubs and the Rotary District 6970 Foundation who funded the renovation of the commercial kitchen that serves meals and provides emergency shelter to the area’s homeless population.

“St. Francis House serves more than 60,000 meals annually to the homeless and less-fortunate,” Hensel told Historic City News last week. “The meal program includes three-meals-a-day for residents of the program and between 80 and 130 lunch meals, offered every day to anyone who is hungry.”

The renovation project included a new commercial exhaust fan and ductwork, as well as a total replacement of major kitchen equipment and new air conditioning.

St. Francis House supporters, staff, board members and volunteers provide a comprehensive array of services for those facing the crisis of homelessness.

“We are all deeply grateful to our local Rotary Clubs and District 6070 Foundation for funding this important project that helps meet the basic needs of our most vulnerable citizens,” Hensel said.