St. Anne's Home
San Francisco, CA



In late 1839, in a small Breton town of Saint Servan, Jeanne Jugan carried an aged blind widow named Anne Chauvin up a flight of stairs and placed her in her own bed. This simple but profound act of charity is seen as the beginning of the Congregation of the Little Sisters of the Poor.  The Little Sisters cherish a unique apostolate to the aged poor.  "Take good care of the elderly," said Blessed Jeanne Jugan, "for it is Jesus Himself you are caring for in them."

For over a hundred years that same apostolate has been lived at St. Anne's Home in San Francisco, a Home that bears the same name as the first woman Blessed Jeanne Jugan helped.

The Little Sisters of the Poor arrived in San Francisco on March 14, 1901, taking up residence at 2030 Howard Street.  They welcomed George Doherty, an Irish laborer and widower, within weeks as well as the first woman resident, Anne Doyle.  Soon a larger and permanent location was sought to meet the needs of the growing number of elderly.  A great benefactor and friend, Edward Joseph Le Breton purchased land and gave $100,00 to build a new Home.  On May 15, 1904 the Home, known as St. Anne's, was complete for occupancy.  Edward Le Breton waited at the door to receive everyone!  He gave more and paid for the entire home for he said, "It is for God that I am giving."

Over the years thousands of elderly men and women, of all faiths, nationalities, and backgrounds of society, have been welcomed through the doors of St. Anne's Home.  Here they find a family spirit, love, respect, and compassion as well as means to assure physical, material, emotional, environmental, social, and spiritual support.  Esteem for the older person gives them a place of honor at life's table and confirms the value of their lives.

St. Anne's Home which was rebuilt in 1982 continues to depend on benefactors, volunteers, and friends, as well as the staff who wish to contribute to the happiness and well-being of their elderly brothers and sisters.  Jeanne Jugan thanked God for them and the Little Sisters do too.  We know because of their goodness to the poor, these generous individuals will be greatly blessed.

"Making the elderly happy is what counts," said Jeanne Jugan.  With the collaboration of many at St. Anne's Home who have helped, the Little Sisters make the work of Blessed Jeanne Jugan "as much a part of the City as the Golden Gate Bridge."  Yes this mission continues today and is more poignant now than ever!