Community of Restored Hope

About Us

The Community of Restored Hope (CRH) is a religious order founded on the principles of Christ-like love and prayerful service to all, especially those forced to the margins of society. Drawing deeply from the Franciscan Tradition, we are inspired by the life and witness of St. Francis of Assisi, who embraced a life of humility, simplicity, and profound care for the poor and marginalized. St. Francis believed that by serving those most in need, we reflect Christ’s love in its truest form, and we carry this belief at the heart of our mission.

Rooted in the Gospel's call to care for “the least among us,” we are a diverse and inclusive community of Friars, Sisters, and contemplatives, bound by our shared commitment to spreading hope where it is needed most. Our charism is centered on living out the message of Jesus Christ through acts of compassionate service, daily prayer, and fostering radical love without conditions or boundaries. Whether we are serving in the streets, in shelters, at our home base at the Hotel Cecil on Skid Row, or in quiet reflection, our lives are dedicated to being the hands and feet of Christ in the world today, much like St. Francis’ own journey of service and devotion.

We joyfully welcome all people, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or life circumstances, to join us in answering the call to a life of faith and service. Whether embracing a contemplative vocation or actively engaging with the broader community, we honor and celebrate the diverse ways each individual can live out their unique calling. Our work, deeply rooted in love and inclusion, spans from direct action and advocacy to prayerful support for individuals navigating life’s most profound challenges. Inspired by St. Francis, we affirm the transformative power of love, prayer, and community to restore hope and dignity, especially for those who have been marginalized. It is this inclusive and restorative mission that defines who we are.

If you feel drawn to this way of life, we invite you to discern with us. Whether you are called to a contemplative life of prayer or active service in the broader community, we welcome you to explore how you might express your faith in a way that strengthens and uplifts others. Together, we can continue the work of restoring hope and building a world of radical love, just as St. Francis envisioned.

Our Patron, Br. Benno

Our patron, Br. Benno, was a Franciscan friar renowned for his humility, compassion, and unwavering dedication to those in need. For 18 years, he served as the gatekeeper of the monastery, welcoming all who came to its doors with warmth and kindness. Beyond his role, Br. Benno tirelessly fed the hungry, comforted the afflicted, and brought hope to the downtrodden. His life of selfless service inspires us to embody the Gospel’s call to radical love and inclusivity. Through his example, we are reminded to see Christ in every person and to serve others with joy and generosity.

Learn more about Br. Benno here!

Friar Andre Maria

Friar, Hermit

The Rt. Rev. Dylan Littlefield

Friar, Bishop-Protector

Our Members