St. Francis House of Odell is a non-profit youth drop-in center in Odell, Oregon, a small town 7 miles south of Hood River. We opened in October of 2007 and have been open several days per week for youth drop-in after school, and on Saturdays. In a town where there are very few services for youth, our center is very busy, serving 20-60 youth each day. We also take groups of youth on field trips, ranging from camping, to swimming, to cultural events and festivals.

Our center is located in Odell’s Historic Mid-Valley Elementary School Gym on the second floor. There is a large hardwood court in which the children play a range of activities including a lot of soccer, basketball, hockey, roller skating and tag. Around the court are flags from all around the world and heroes of cultural, scientific, and religious inspiration. The Gym also has a stage where the kids play table games, do arts and crafts, learn musical instruments, perform small theatrical productions and play educational computer games.

The school has given us such a wonderful opportunity to use their space as part of a multi-use community center. Together, both the elementary and other non-profits, are able to share the space in partnership for the benefit of the Odell community.

The youth center operates entirely with volunteers, including two Americorps volunteers. Several of our volunteers have been coming weekly for almost 5 years. Financially, we operate with several small grants, donations from private donors, and partnering with several local organizations. Donations are tax deductible and can be made to St. Francis House of Odell by sending them to the address on our donate page.

The youth have developed a sense of ownership of their youth center. They started a soccer skills class with some of their peers, that has drawn 5 to 8 year-olds from all over the valley! It is gratifying to see our youth growing into responsible teens and young adults. Our motto is St. Francis House, creating a place where it is easier to be good. Come visit us at 3686 Davis Dr, Odell, OR 97031.