It is only when we enter into contact with suffering that understanding and compassion can be born. – Thich Nhat Hanh
Francis House Catholic Worker was incorporated in April of 2019 and embraces a mission to serve the unhoused in our neighborhood and border refugees from our southern border. We became a 501(c)(3) on May 22, 2025 EIN # 83-4674414.
From our five room facility, we distribute meals to our hungry neighbors in the International District of Albuquerque, NM five days a week; Monday and Tuesday from 8:15 to 10am, Friday and Saturday from 8:15am to 12:30pm and Sunday from 8:15 to 11:00am (closed Wednesdays and Thursdays). We have approximately 130 volunteers. We have no paid staff. Some of us make soup, sandwiches or burritos. Others donate water and juice, and some serve our guests when we are open. At tables we set up in sun or shade, those experiencing homelessness can enjoy a breakfast of homemade burritos and coffee, juice and water. For lunch on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, we ladle out hot homemade soups (“holy posole” on Sundays), fruit, and a variety of sandwiches and cookies, all made by our generous volunteers. We also provide our guests clothing, blankets, hygiene items and over the counter medications and they also have the use of a bathroom facility.
For our second ministry we offer support to asylum seekers and refugees. We currently assist Casa Oscar Romero Shelter in Ciudad Juarez. The shelter houses refugees from six countries who cannot return to their home countries nor can they cross the border to seek asylum. Most of the guests have been victims of kidnapping by the gangs who operate openly in Ciudad Juarez.