Sanctuary

In 1983, in response to the growing number of people sleeping on the streets of San Francisco, Grace Cathedral, the seat of the Episcopal Dioceses of Northern California, began providing overnight shelter to 40 adults in the cathedral basement. Three years later, Sanctuary moved into its current location, a larger facility capable of serving up to 200 individuals. Sanctuary is a 24-hour facility that provides a bed, showers, laundry, and two meals a day to shelter residents. ECS collaborates with the Department of Public Health (DPH) to address medical needs. ECS’s Behavioral Health team (formerly SF START), provides clinical services for guests. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Sanctuary continues to provide shelter, showers, services, and meals to approximately 80 individuals. In an effort to ensure the health of shelter guest and staff, as well as slow the progress of the virus, the Sanctuary remains closed to new guests and visitors. All guests and staff undergo daily health checks.