Our History
Our Founders, Doris & Stan Michalek
St. Francis House was the vision of Doris and Stan Michalek. Following the 1964 earthquake in Alaska, Doris learned about the Anchorage-based Fraternity of Secular Franciscans. The Fraternity saw the need to help their fellow Alaskans through the hardships brought on by this traumatic event. They knew clothing, household items and food would be needed by the people devastated by the earthquake. They also recognized the financial hardships that would affect these people. It was the hope, vision and efforts of these faith-filled Alaskan Secular Franciscan’s that inspired the inception of the first St. Francis House in the “Lower48.”
Journeying Toward a Dream
1974 - St. Francis House Comes to Puyallup
Doris and Stan Michalek open a small clothing bank under the auspices of All Saints Parish.
1992 - A Board Is Born!
St Francis House achieves 501(c)3 status as a nonprofit organization with a board of directors.
1994 - A Downtown Acre
An acre of property in downtown Puyallup is purchased to allow for future growth.
1995 - Hot Meals For All
The needs of clothing bank clients inspire the development of an evening meal program.
2000 - A Clothing Bank Building Is Built
2001 - ¿Habla Inglés?
As a means of supporting clients in their efforts to improve their lives, English classes for Hispanic adults are initiated.
2009 - Celebrating 35 Years
2011 - A Storage/Office Wing Is Opened
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Groundbreaking
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New Wing Being Built
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Milgard Mall
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Welzel Wing
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New Warehouse
2012 - Opening of The Nook
After three years of conducting annual Books and Treasures sales, it seemed that enough “high-end” items were on hand to open a boutique where they could be sold for reasonable prices. Proceeds from sales at The Nook would provide an additional revenue stream for the clothing bank.
Expressions of Gratitude
Volunteer Opportunities
I donate to be part of the solution. The needs are most often simple, clothing or food for their children. Through St. Francis House I can help with that.
— Tami L.
Giving Opportunities
St. Francis House is such a well run organization, I have no question that the dollars I give make a large impact.
— Tom C.
Shop the Nook
The Nook is a charity boutique operated by St. Francis House. The Nook sells “twice-loved” treasures at low prices in person at our Main Street location or in our online store.
