Poverello House is a private, nonprofit, nondenominational organization that serves the hungry, the homeless, and the destitute of Fresno, California.  Poverello House began officially in 1973, but its 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 volunteer, and the experience changed his life.
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.
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, and, finally, has a homeless dog kennel for abandoned pets.

Charity

Non Profit

Poverello House

Zachary D. Darrah

Charles Farnsworth

Mary Mcgarvin

Sara Mirhadi

Paul Stack

The Operations Team at Poverello House is responsible for ensuring the smooth and efficient delivery of services to the homeless and underserved populations in Fresno. This team manages daily logistics, including meal distribution, transportation for clients, maintenance of facilities, and the coordination of specialized programs such as Naomi's House and the Bridge Project. By facilitating essential operations and services, the team plays a critical role in supporting the organization’s mission to provide care and hope to those in need.

Operations Team

Guest Services Team

Culinary Team

Operations Team

About

Team members

Other teams at Poverello House

Guest Services Team

Culinary Team