In 1972, with the help of lay Franciscans, Father Hugh Noonan, O.F.M., founded St. Francis Center and began serving coffee and doughnuts and distributing clothing to the poor and homeless. Long before starting the centre, however, Fr. Hugh had established himself as an innovator. In 1946, as a resident of St. Joseph Church in Los Angeles, he created and produced “The Hour of St. Francis” radio program. The weekly show included dramatic tales that explored everyday problems in a uniquely practical yet uplifting way.