Sister Abigail Hester

Guidebook for Chaplains of St. Francis

A Street Ministry of the Order of Franciscan Clareans (OFC RVA)

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Mission & Vision
  3. Core Values & Spiritual Principles
  4. Safety & Preparedness
  5. Street Ministry Basics
  6. Engaging With the Homeless and Marginalized
  7. Delivering Compassionate Care
  8. Conflict Resolution & Crisis Management
  9. Prayer & Spiritual Support in the Field
  10. Hygiene & Health Guidelines
  11. Volunteer & Team Guidelines
  12. Resources & Referrals
  13. Reporting & Documentation
  14. Continuing Formation & Training
  15. Appendix: Sample Forms & Templates
  1. Introduction

Welcome to the Chaplains of St. Francis. Our ministry walks the streets of Richmond, serving those who are often unseen and unheard. Inspired by the life of St. Francis of Assisi, we carry compassion, presence, and hope into every interaction.

Our work is not only about giving food or supplies—it is about witnessing Christ’s love, sharing dignity, and building trust through consistent presence.

“Preach the Gospel at all times. When necessary, use words.” – St. Francis

  1. Mission & Vision

Mission:
To bring spiritual and practical care to the homeless and marginalized, offering hope, prayer, and material support while reflecting Christ’s love.

Vision:
A compassionate community where every person is seen, heard, and treated with dignity.

  1. Core Values & Spiritual Principles

Compassion: Meet people with love, patience, and empathy.

Presence: Being with someone matters as much as helping them.

Dignity: Every person is made in God’s image.

Humility: We walk alongside, not above.

Safety: Care for self, team, and community is essential.

Spiritual Practices:

Daily prayer and reflection

Listening before speaking

Offering blessings without forcing spiritual interaction

  1. Safety & Preparedness

Personal Safety Checklist:

Carry ID and emergency contacts

Work in pairs or groups

Bring a basic first-aid kit

Wear reflective clothing at night

Be aware of surroundings; avoid unsafe areas

Know local emergency numbers

Team Preparedness:

Share your location with a trusted team member

Have a plan for emergencies or conflicts

Regularly review safety protocols

  1. Street Ministry Basics

First Steps:

  1. Greet clearly and respectfully.
  2. Ask permission before offering help.
  3. Offer small gestures first (water, snacks, blankets).
  4. Listen more than speak—hearing someone is ministry.

Tips:

Smile and make eye contact (if culturally appropriate).

Use neutral, non-judgmental language.

Respect personal space.

  1. Engaging With the Homeless and Marginalized

Do’s:

Use the person’s name if known

Offer practical help first

Be consistent in presence and follow-up

Practice active listening

Don’ts:

Avoid judgmental comments

Don’t force spiritual conversation

Never take someone’s belongings without permission

Building Trust:

Return regularly to the same areas

Remember details of conversations

Keep promises and commitments

  1. Delivering Compassionate Care

Practical Items to Carry:

Bottled water

Non-perishable snacks

Blankets or ponchos

Hygiene kits (soap, sanitizer, wipes, toothbrush)

First-aid items

Referrals:

Shelters and food pantries

Health clinics and mental health programs

Substance abuse resources

Legal and housing assistance

Example Interaction:

“Hi, I’m Sister Abigail. I’m here to listen and offer some help if you need it—water, a snack, or even just a moment to talk.”

  1. Conflict Resolution & Crisis Management

De-escalation Techniques:

Stay calm and speak softly

Avoid sudden movements

Use “I” statements (e.g., “I want to help you stay safe”)

Step back if tension rises

Emergency Protocols:

Call 911 for immediate danger

Know the nearest hospital or shelter

Have a team check-in procedure

  1. Prayer & Spiritual Support in the Field

Simple Street Prayers:

For Presence:

“Lord, let me be Your hands and heart today, giving hope and love to those I meet.”

For Blessing Items:

“May this water, food, and blanket be a sign of Your care and protection.”

Guidelines:

Offer prayer only if welcomed

Keep prayers short and inclusive

Respect differing beliefs

  1. Hygiene & Health Guidelines

Wash hands regularly; use sanitizer

Wear gloves when handling potentially contaminated items

Keep personal hygiene and hydration

Avoid contact with open wounds or bodily fluids

Know signs of illness or infection

  1. Volunteer & Team Guidelines

Attend regular meetings and trainings

Communicate clearly with team members

Respect confidentiality

Document activities and incidents

Debrief after challenging encounters

  1. Resources & Referrals

Local Services:

Homeless shelters and transitional housing

Food pantries and soup kitchens

Health clinics and mental health services

Job training and legal aid

Useful Contacts:

Emergency Services: 911

Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222

Local shelters and clinics (keep updated)

  1. Reporting & Documentation

Daily Log Template:

Date & Time:

Location:

Person(s) Assisted:

Services Provided:

Observations:

Referrals Given:

Team Notes:

Incident Reports:

Clearly state facts, not opinions

Include names, locations, and times

Submit promptly to leadership

  1. Continuing Formation & Training

Attend retreats and spiritual workshops

Participate in trauma-informed care training

Learn basic first aid and mental health crisis skills

Engage in reflective debriefing after fieldwork

  1. Appendix: Sample Forms & Templates
  2. Intake & Referral Form:

Name:

Needs:

Services Provided:

Referral Given:

Notes:

  1. Daily Visit Log: (see section 13)
  2. Emergency Contact Sheet:

Team Members:

Local Police:

Hospitals:

Shelters:

  1. Spiritual Reflection Journal:

Date & Location:

Person Served:

Prayer Offered:

Personal Reflection:

Lessons Learned: