St. Francis House to close in the Fall

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence announced Wednesday the St. Francis House, an affordable elderly housing facility in Woonsocket, will close its doors in October.

St. Francis House, located at 187 Blackstone Street, has been an affordable living facility since the 1930's. It serves 46 low-income elderly residents who require assistance with normal daily activites, but do not qualify for nursing home care.

To achieve full compliance with fire code regulation in Rhode Island, the St. Francis House would need $500,000 in immediate upgrades to the sprinkler and fire alarm system.

In addition, officials say that low reimbursement rates for patient care at the facility has caused St. Francis House to incur monthly deficits of $10,000.

“While we were forced with no other option but to close St. Francis House in October, I am proud of the dignified and peaceful home we created for so many elderly with little or no means,” said Helen Stradone, administrator.   “As a ministry of the Catholic Church, the work we perform is the work of Christ, providing for the least among us. The staff will work tirelessly to see that each of our residents secures suitable housing at another facility.”

St. Francis House employs 22 full- and part-time employees. In addition to finding housing for the current residents, the staff  will receive priority hiring status at other Catholic facilities throughout the state.