Poverello House is a private, nonprofit, nondenominational organization that serves the hungry. There, Mike found the answer to his problems: service to others.
Poverello House began officially in 1973, but it’s history goes back much further. In the turbulent 1960s, a young man named Mike McGarvin was on the fast track to becoming one of the many casualties of the decade. Drugs, alcohol, violence and hopelessness were his daily companions, until he found a place in San Francisco called Poverello House. The priest who ran the coffee house asked Mike to vo
lunteer, and the experience changed his life. The San Francisco Poverello served people who were characterized by poverty and despair. It was a place where they could come to find acceptance, a smile, and unconditional love. Several years later, Mike married and moved to Fresno. He was now a photoengraver, but was searching for a way to repay God for saving his life. The answer came when he noticed homeless people on the streets of Fresno. Mike knew what to do; he would hand out peanut butter sandwiches, talk to people, and let them know someone cared. Mike’s small ministry soon grew, and others began to help. A storefront building was obtained, and he named it after the place that had saved him in San Francisco: Poverello House. The mission thrived until the building burned down. Mike and the volunteers went back to the streets and alleys. Soon they had another building, but they were evicted, and once again took to the streets. Finally, through the generous contribution of a donor, Poverello House opened in its current site at 412 “F” Street. From this location, the organization has grown tremendously. In 1992, a major expansion and renovation was completed, more than doubling the size of the building and broadening services. Poverello House now serves three meals a day, 365 days a year, to anyone in need; offers free medical and dental care through the Holy Cross Clinic; provides showers and laundry services to the homeless; serves as a day shelter and safe haven for people on the streets; houses a 28-bed residential alcohol and drug rehabilitation program, and a five-bed transitional home; distributes free clothing; provides recreation, mail service, transportation, and referral services; offers an alternative to sleeping on the streets at the Michael McGarvin Jr. Village of Hope; in collaboration with Holy Cross Center for Women, provides a shelter for homeless women called Naomi’s House; and, finally, has a homeless dog kennel for abandoned pets. Since the beginning, volunteers have always been a big part of our work. People enjoy helping here because Poverello provides a structured, safe environment in which to work; opportunities to assist the homeless in a tangible way; and a friendly, positive atmosphere. Poverello House is able to serve the community primarily through the contributions of individuals, churches, businesses, and civic groups who donate their labor, money, or goods. We welcome inquiries about our organization, and are happy to speak to groups or conduct tours of the facility.
“Poverello” is an Italian word that means “little poor man,” a reference to St. Francis of Assisi, who gave away all his worldly possessions and dedicated his life to serving the poor.
06/20/2026
Every success story starts somewhere.
A safe place to rest. A welcoming space to connect with resources. A community committed to helping individuals and families move forward.
While these may look like ordinary spaces, they represent so much more. They are places of hope, support, and opportunity for those working toward stability and permanent housing.
Every day, lives are changed through compassion, encouragement, and the belief that brighter days are ahead. ❤️
Make a difference today by donating: https://gcld.co/NPzmedg, or schedule a tour to see the impact firsthand: bit.ly/3UxZUm5.
06/19/2026
Make your summer count! ☀️💛
A few hours of your time can help serve meals, organize donations, support programs, and make a real impact in the lives of people throughout our community.
This summer, turn your free time into something that matters.
Recently, the ladies at Naomi's House enjoyed a special fashion experience with Cabi Clothing. The afternoon provided an opportunity to explore personal style, try on new looks, and enjoy time together in a welcoming and supportive environment.
Experiences like these can help foster confidence, encourage self-expression, and create meaningful moments along each woman's journey.
Thank you to Cabi Clothing for creating such a memorable experience for the women. 👗✨💙
For those who have been part of the Poverello House journey from the beginning, the partnership between Poverello House and the Sisters of Holy Cross holds a special place in our history. Sister Francis was among the many sisters who shared compassion, kindness, and care with our guests, helping to shape the spirit of service that continues today.
We are grateful for her visit and for the lasting impact she and the Sisters of Holy Cross have had on our community. Thank you, Sister Francis, for the love, kindness, and dedication you have shared over the years. ✨
06/12/2026
What an incredible morning at the 12th Annual 5K Run for Meals!
This year marked our largest 5K Run for Meals yet, with more than 400 participants coming together in support of Papa Mike’s Café. From runners and walkers to volunteers, sponsors, and supporters, the event was filled with energy, generosity, and a shared commitment to helping our neighbors in need.
Every registration helps support Papa Mike’s Café, where guests are served nutritious meals in a welcoming, restaurant-style setting. Because of your support, we can continue providing nourishment, dignity, and hope for those we serve.
Thank you to everyone who helped make this record-breaking event possible. We are grateful for the many individuals, families, and organizations who showed up and made a difference. 💙🏃♀️🎉
📸 Photo credit: John Reynolds Photography
06/10/2026
Today, we recognized the staff who make Poverello House's mission possible every day.
Our team shows up with compassion, kindness, and dedication to helping those facing hardship in our community. We are grateful for their hard work and commitment to others. Today's Staff Appreciation Ice Cream Social was a small way to say thank you for the care they bring to our guests and to one another. 🍦💙
06/10/2026
Thank you, CalViva Health Cares, for your generous support of Poverello House through Emergency Relief Funding! 💙 Your partnership helps ensure we can continue providing meals to those in need throughout our community.
During their recent visit, CalViva Health team had the opportunity to enjoy lunch at Papa Mike's Café and see firsthand the impact of the services they help make possible.
06/05/2026
As temperatures rise, access to water, clean clothing, and other necessities becomes even more critical for those experiencing homelessness.
The need for essential items continues to grow, and we're asking our community to help us restock much-needed items for our guests.
📍 Drop off donations:
Mon–Fri: 8 AM – 5 PM
Sat–Sun: 8 AM – 1 PM
412 F St, Fresno (Donation Lane on G St)
An unforgettable evening filled with laughter, generosity, incredible stories, and a shared commitment to helping our neighbors in need.
This exclusive, one-of-a-kind evening brought guests together for an intimate dinner alongside retired NFL legends, creating meaningful conversations and unforgettable memories in support of Poverello House and our mission. Together, we raised crucial funds to help provide meals, shelter, and vital services for our neighbors in need.
We are incredibly grateful to Eric Wright, Keena Turner, Tim Collier, Lorenzo Neal, Mervyn Fernandez, Dr. Jamie Williams, Kevin Sweeney, Charlie Jones, and Stephen Spach for sharing their time, stories, and support to help make this evening so special.
A special thank you to Frank Dalena of Bring the Juice podcast for serving as our emcee.
To our attendees, table sponsors, auction donors, volunteers, and supporters, thank you for making this special evening possible. Your generosity will help transform lives and bring hope to individuals and families experiencing hardship throughout our community.
Heart of a Champion was truly a night to remember, and we are already looking forward to bringing this special event back next year. ❤️🏈
Photo credit: Micah Campos
05/30/2026
Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make this year’s event such a success. We loved seeing our community come together for a fun evening filled with great energy, connection, and support.
A special thank you to the amazing businesses and community partners who generously donated and supported Fig Gig 2026: The Red Room, Elbow Room, Fresno State Bulldogs Football, Bulldog Locker, La Boulangerie, Engelmann Cellars, Mad Duck, Fresno Chaffee Zoo, Reptile Ron Animal Presentations, Fresno Discovery Center, John’s Incredible Pizza, Me N Eds Pizzeria, Metal Mark 2 Climbing Classes, Elaine’s Pet Resorts, Castillo’s Mexican Restaurant, Batter Up Pancakes, Fresno State Bowling, Gazebo Gardens Gardening, and Rosie’s Flower Shop.
Your generosity helps us continue making a difference in the lives of those we serve, and we are so grateful for your support. Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make Fig Gig 2026 such a memorable night! 💛🎉
📸 Photo Credit: Kendyl Day Photography
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