Spotlight On: The Elizabeth Coalition

In 2016, executive director of The Elizabeth Coalition Linda-Flores-Tober and her husband José were discussing how to fill the gaps and answer their community's needs on a drive through New York City. As if it were a sign, they drove past St. Francis Church in mid-town. When they Googled St. Francis, they were directed to our very own St. Francis Food Pantries and Shelters.

One phone call to Joe Sano and a beautiful relationship started.

The Elizabeth Coalition helps families stabilize their client’s household's housing first and then work to improve the longer-term chances for success. Without stable housing, there is no way a household can be successful and adds major stress on families being able to stay together.

St. Francis Food Pantries provides canned food, PB+J sandwiches, winter coats, household goods and diapers to the Elizabeth Coalition. All of these items represent a significant cost to a family on a budget. While the Elizabeth Coalition helps their client’s budget to afford their housing, what St. Francis provides allows these struggling families to save money to afford security and 1st months’ rent.

Learn more about The Elizabeth Coalition and their continuing mission.

With offices set up in an old church-St Josephs can offer many services.	Recent immigrants can sign up for one-on-one ESL classes taught by volunteers.
Computer center allows people to search for jobs and print out resumes.	Across the parking lot in a separate building-residents line up for weekly groceries.
Local vegetables are brought in while student volunteers hand them out.	2018 Women of Valor Honoree Melissa Armenti hands out PB+Js.