The Gubbio Project – Giving Respite to San Francisco’s Unsheltered

The Tenderloin neighborhood is one of the most economically challenged districts in San Francisco, California, USA, where many people are struggling to get by. In 2004, community activist Shelly Roder and the Reverend Father Louis Vitale created a program called “The Gubbio Project,” now a non-profit organization. Through this initiative, the St. Boniface Catholic Church in the Tenderloin and St. John the Evangelist Episcopal Church in San Francisco’s Mission District provide daily temporary shelter to the homeless along with comforting items like blankets and services such as massages and foot care. The churches allow the homeless to have what Father Vitale calls “sacred sleep” inside church walls. The homeless are also invited to attend Mass and pray for guidance from Jesus Christ. This special arrangement provides a message of friendship - everyone is part of the community and deserves respect and kind treatment. Supreme Master Ching Hai: “Gratefully present the Shining World Compassion Award to each the Reverend Father Louis Vitale and The Gubbio Project plus US$20,000 to The Gubbio project as a token of love to further its heartfelt assistance to San Francisco’s homeless.”