The dream of Francis House began with our founder, Sister Kathleen Osbelt. Her experiences as a hospital chaplain and a volunteer companion for a woman dying of AIDS opened her eyes to the lack of support and services available to people who were dying.
Sister Kathleen dreamed of a place where people could spend their final days filled with the love of family. She brought her idea to the leadership of the Sisters of St. Francis who welcomed the idea of Project Home.
The Syracuse community came together to support the project. The Sisters of St. Francis donated a two-family home on Michaels Avenue on the north side of Syracuse. A core group of community leaders helped raise enough money to renovate the home. Volunteers gave countless hours painting, cleaning and decorating to make the home comfortable.
Sister Kathleen enjoys a moment with resident Clautilde in 1994.
Francis House began in a two-family home donated by the Sisters of St. Francis at 108 Michaels Avenue.
Francis House
