OUR PURPOSE

The Red Tie Gala supports St. Anne's Home in San Francisco, which is run by the Little Sisters of the Poor.

Since 1901, the Little Sisters of the Poor have cared for more than 7000 poor, elderly, men and women of all races and religions in San Francisco. The generous support of individual and corporate benefactors, many of them anonymous, has sustained their work through donations of food, time, volunteer effort, money and prayers.

The Little Sisters of the Poor - Over 100 Years of Service in San Francisco
For as long as many San Franciscans can remember, St. Anne's Home, located at 3rd and Lake Street, has been a quiet and constant presence in the City. Some remember its original red brick structure while others only know its present more modern facility. What few know, though, is its rich history.

In 1839, in the small Breton fishing village of St. Servan, a French peasant woman named Jeanne Jugan recognized the poverty of the elderly. On a winter day she took an elderly, poor, blind woman into her home and cared for her needs. It was not long thereafter that other aged poor began coming to her. Soon other young women were inspired to join in her mission of hospitality to the elderly. It was from these humble beginnings that the Congregation of the Little Sisters of the Poor began.

For more than 160 years the Little Sisters have taken a vow of Hospitality, welcoming the aged poor into their homes, surrounding them with love and respect, caring for their physical and spiritual needs and assisting them during the closing days of their lives.

In 1868, the Little Sisters of the Poor arrived in the United States and made their first foundation in Brooklyn, NY. On March 14,1901, the first three Little Sisters arrived in San Francisco bringing their mission of service to the aged poor. They arrived a few years after the Gold Rush when the City found itself with a growing number of elderly in need of medical care. They opened a home for them at 2030 Howard Street and almost immediately it became apparent that it was too small to house the many poor people who sought admission.

Edward J. Le Breton, President of the French Savings and Loan Society of San Francisco, financed the building of the first Home at 300 Lake Street. The ground breaking was on April 28, 1902, the cornerstone was laid on July 26, 1902, and the Residents and the Little Sisters moved in on May 13, 1904. On March 19, 1982, the original St. Anne's Home was replaced by a new, modern structure that sits on the same property today.

For over one hundred years, the Little Sisters, the staff, benefactors and volunteers at St. Anne's Home have followed in the footsteps of Jeanne Jugan, providing a quality of life and care for the aged poor of the Bay Area. Their work continues today in the 21st Century.

300 Lake Street • San Francisco, CA 94118-1397 (415) 751-6510
Serving the Aged Poor of San Francisco since 1901