Poverello House

Poverello is an Italian word that means little poor man.

Poverello House is a private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that has been serving the homeless, poor, and hungry of Fresno since 1973, when our founder, Mike McGarvin, began handing out sandwiches on the street.  Located in southwest Fresno, the organization now provides three meals a day, 365 days a year, to anyone in need, groceries to families,  medical and dental care, shower and laundry services, transportation for medical reasons, clothing, day shelter, mail services, and other supportive social services.  All services are provided free of charge, unconditionally.  Last year, Poverello House served 460,132 hot meals; provided 20,444 nights of shelter; and medical and dental services to 5,913 people.

Poverello House also has a substance abuse rehabilitation program for homeless men.  The program is a minimum six month, work-therapy residential program.  The program is designed to break down a participants denial, to establish a strong relationship with AA or NA, and to teach personal responsibility, good work habits, and specific vocational skills.  It features group and individual counseling as well as mandatory AA/NA attendance, group therapy, and exit planning.  The Poverello House program has a zero drug/alcohol tolerance policy.  Each year, approximately, 100 men enter our program.

Poverello House is able to serve the community primarily through contributions of individuals, churches, businesses, and civic groups who donate their labor, money or goods.  Contributions such as these constitute approximately 87% of our income.  We are extremely grateful to the people of Fresno for the generosity they show to those with the greatest need - both in good and bad times. 

We welcome inquiries about our organization, and are happy to speak to groups or conduct tours of our facility.  For more information, please contact us at 559.498.6988.