Celebrating 3 Years of St. Francis Apartments: A Place to Call Home

This month, we celebrated the 3-year anniversary of St. Francis Apartments, a vital space that has become home to seniors who once experienced homelessness. This collaboration between Chum and St. Luke’s (now Aspirus St. Luke’s) since its opening, has offered stability, security, and community to some of our most vulnerable neighbors, transforming lives and providing a safe place to call home.

To mark this special milestone, we hosted a memorable anniversary party filled with joy and togetherness. We provided a delicious meal for everyone to enjoy, creating a moment of connection and gratitude among residents, staff, and volunteers. One of the most heartwarming highlights of the day was the "Blessing of the Pets," where residents had the opportunity to have their beloved companions blessed—a beautiful reminder of the deep bonds we share with our furry friends.

The celebration continued with a gift card giveaway, offering a little extra help and joy to our residents, followed by time spent enjoying each other’s company. It was a chance to reflect on the strength of our community and the journey we’ve all taken together over the past three years.

As we look back on the impact St. Francis Apartments has had, we’re reminded of stories like that of one resident who lived in her car for years, enduring Duluth’s harsh winters, before finding safety and warmth at St. Francis. Her story, like many others, shows just how transformative this housing has been.

A Fresh Coat of Care: Staff and Volunteers Bring New Life to St. Francis

In addition to celebrating, our staff and volunteers have teamed up for a painting project to refresh the building’s shared spaces. With vibrant new colors, we’re creating a warm, inviting atmosphere that further fosters a sense of home. This project reflects our ongoing commitment to making St. Francis a place where residents not only live but thrive.

We are proud of how far we’ve come in three years and are excited about the future as we continue supporting the residents of St. Francis Apartments.

Before:

After: