Special Events

St. Francis Center hosts two annual events, a gala in the Fall and a lunch in the Spring. Our special events help raise integral dollars to support our mission, and are a great way to engage with our greater community of support.

 Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at 11:30a.m.

Temple Emanuel – 51 Grape St. Denver 80220
 Healing Bonds: The Role of Support Animals in Permanent Supportive Housing

Support St. Francis Center’s mission to end homelessness by joining us for our PATH Lunch. A box lunch will be served. 

• While getting individuals into housing is a monumental step, this event explores the crucial journey of what comes next
• Many residents face ongoing, complex challenges as they transition indoors, such as navigating zero-income living, overcoming severe trauma, battling loneliness, and aging in place after years without medical care

This year’s engaging topic, “Healing Bonds: The Role of Support Animals in Permanent Supportive Housing,” will delve into how Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) provide far more than just companionship.

We will explore the research and data demonstrating how ESAs are highly effective partners in helping previously homeless individuals manage chronic mental health concerns, heal from trauma, and ultimately maintain housing stability.

Featured Speakers:

Keynote Speaker: Philip Tedeschi, LCSW, Clinical Professor at the University of Denver’s Graduate School of Social Work and Founder of the Institute for Human-Animal Connection. He will share the compelling clinical research behind human-animal bonds, mental health, and housing stability.

Your support ends homelessness. Reserve your spot today to learn how healing bonds are transforming our community!

St. Francis Center is an HCTC designee.
Cash contributions up to $100,000 per year can receive a 25% State Credit