Community Corner

Nonprofit Spotlight: Francis House

Each week, we profile a different nonprofit

Francis House is a nonprofit organization that helps members of Tampa Bay's HIV and AIDS community.

In this week's nonprofit spotlight, Patch talked to Joy Winheim of Francis House about what the organization does and how others can get involved.

Patch: What is the purpose of the organization?

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Winheim: Francis House provides supportive services to Tampa’s HIV/AIDS community.  Our mission is to respond with compassion and justice to the spiritual, emotional, educational and physical well-being of individuals and families infected, affected or at-risk for HIV/AIDS.

Patch: Who founded the organization and when?

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Winheim: Francis House was founded in 1990 by Sister Anne Dougherty, a Franciscan Sister of Allegany, after working with HIV/AIDS patients at St. Joseph’s Hospital.  They expressed a need for a place to go where they would not be judged or alienated – like they had been from their friends, families and faiths. Francis House has been in the same location on Florida Avenue since 1990.

Patch: What are some activities that the organization has been involved in in Tampa Bay?  Are those primary fundraisers for the nonprofit?

Winheim: Francis House has participated in many Tampa activities, including AIDS Walk, World AIDS Day, Strike Out for AIDS and Go Eat Tampa Bay.  Strike Out for AIDS is our annual bowling fundraiser, now in its sixth year. Go Eat Tampa Bay is our second annual fundraiser – just going into its second year and tentatively scheduled for Feb. 25.  Go Eat Tampa Bay recruits host homes to provide dinner to friends and family members for a donation to Francis House. 

After dinner, all participants are invited to join us for a dessert reception and silent auction at the Glazer Children’s Museum.  It’s a great excuse to host a dinner party and support a great cause at the same time.

Patch: Why is the organization important for communities such as Carrollwood and Northdale?

Winheim: Francis House is the only agency of its kind in the Tampa area. We provide support groups, mental health and substance abuse counseling, daily meal, transportation assistance, medical case management, housing case management and a small food pantry for  individuals infected or affected with HIV/AIDS. 

We are becoming more important each day as folks continue to struggle in our economy. Francis House is another resource for those infected individuals living in the Carrollwood and Northdale communities who are in need of support, counseling, food or simply transportation assistance.

Patch: How can the community get involved if they want to donate or volunteer?

Winheim: Francis House accepts all kinds of donations. Canned food and non-perishables, small household items and hygiene items.  Items can be dropped off at 4703 N. Florida Ave, Tampa, 33603.  Monetary donations can be mailed, or made through our website, www.francishouse.org

Volunteer opportunities are available by calling 813-237-3066.


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