Mission Statement

The Family Link is a nonprofit, public benefit corporation established in 1985. The organization to serves people with AIDS and other life-threatening illnesses, by offering hospitality to their visiting family members and loved ones.

The Family Link provides affordable accommodation in a safe and supportive environment. The goal is to provide a "home away from home" where guests, staff and volunteers together create an atmosphere of friendship and trust.

History

During the early years of the AIDS epidemic a group of Franciscan Sisters began providing hospitality at their local convent to family members who came to San Francisco to visit people with AIDS. The need soon outgrew their resources.

In 1985 The Family Link was established as a non-church-affiliated organization to provide low-cost accommodations in a caring environment. The Family Link's first guests were received in 1986 in a rented two-bedroom apartment on Baker Street. By June 1987 two more apartments had been rented, bringing the number of guest bedrooms to eight.

Guests

The Family Link's guests have come from every state and from Canada, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. The average guest stays about one week. Many return.

Our guests are typically visiting and caring for persons who have AIDS, cancer, other life threatening illnesses or injuries, or are awaiting donor organ transplants. Many Family Link guests are at or near retirement age, with fixed incomes and limited resources, who cannot afford extended stays in Bay Area hotels or motels.

The communal, family atmosphere at The Family Link enables guests to share their experiences with others who are in a similar situation.

Community Support

The Family Link receives no government funds and only limited foundation and corporate grants. Private donors and volunteers make the program possible. To continue its mission, The Family Link needs the continuing financial and personal support of the community.