Established in 1971, Raphael House was the first shelter in San Francisco for families experiencing homelessness. The mission of Raphael House is to help at-risk families achieve stable housing and financial independence while strengthening family bonds and personal dignity. At Raphael House, we see homelessness as a temporary state that doesn't define a person. We understand that homelessness can result from unexpected economic, health-related circumstances, or a breakdown in family structure. We provide families an opportunity to take ownership of their futures and improve the quality of their lives through a nurturing and supportive process emphasizing the importance of strong families and personal dignity.