St. Francis House hosts first-ever World Homeless Day event and community walk

Press release from St. Francis House

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – St. Francis House hosted its first-ever World Homeless Day event on October 10, 2025, bringing together community partners, volunteers, and supporters to provide essential needs and resources for local individuals and families experiencing homelessness.

The event featured free haircuts, BBQ and refreshments, games and activities, essential needs items, and community resource booths, followed by a Community Walk to promote awareness and solidarity for those facing housing insecurity.

“World Homeless Day is about compassion, collaboration, and community,” said Tavia Sumpter, Director of Shelter Services at St. Francis House. “We’re so thankful to everyone who came together to help create new futures for our neighbors in need.”

St. Francis House extends sincere gratitude to its community partners, including Alachua County Fire Rescue, Alachua County School Board, Humana Healthy Horizons in Florida, Family Promise of Gainesville, Released Reentry, Meridian, Block by Block, Tree City Church, Alachua County Sheriff Chad Scott, and others.

Special thanks also go to Undefeated Barbers, Brothers With A Purpose, and Katie the Haircut Lady for providing free haircuts, and Smoking Fatties BBQ for serving delicious food throughout the event.

For more than 45 years, St. Francis House has provided shelter, meals, and supportive services to community members experiencing homelessness in Gainesville, helping them work toward stability and self-sufficiency.