Asher Student Foundation

Mission

The mission of Asher Student Foundation (ASF) is to encourage spiritual growth and the practice of Christian Science healing through nurturing community, supporting home and housing, and inspiring continuous learning and service.

Overview

Asher Student Foundation offers residential housing at six active Asher Houses around the country for active Christian Scientists. Whether you’re looking for a supportive community as you work towards an educational degree, or a recent graduate in need of a landing pad as you launch your career in a new city, we are here for you.

At Asher Student Foundation, you will find opportunities to build meaningful friendships, deepen your relationship to God, and pursue your academic and career goals. Asher Houses across the country and an array of partner programs allow for multiple avenues to enjoy our rich housing experience.

ASF’s main office is in San Francisco, California. There are six active Asher Houses around the country: Boston, Massachusetts; Brookline, Massachusetts; Los Angeles, California; New York City, New York; St. Louis, Missouri; and Washington, D.C.

Learn more about our qualifications for residency, or apply to live at an Asher House.

Brief History

Asher Student Foundation began in 1946, when eight Christian Science veterans returned to Michigan State University after World War II and formed a supportive,

harmonious home in the residence of Beatrice Asher. Known as “Asher House,” it soon welcomed other students seeking the same community.

In 1952, the group became a Michigan nonprofit and kept the Asher name, inspired by Mary Baker Eddy’s definition of Asher as “hope and faith; spiritual compensation.” With national support, additional houses opened over the following decades. Today, the Asher Student Foundation supports six houses across the country.

Partners in Service/Supporting CS Organizations

ASF is actively engaged in the Christian Science movement through its residential houses and its partnership with many other Christian Science organizations and camps located around the country. All of our outreach efforts reflect our core values and overarching goal to serve any student who is a practicing Christian Scientist.

Click here to see a list of our partner organizations.

Asher In Action

Asher House residents and community members regularly participate in community service projects, also known as “Asher in Action” projects. Over the years, there have been many wonderful opportunities for our residents to be involved in their local communities. Asher in Action projects are all centered around the idea of “Home.”

“I absolutely loved the ‘Asher in Action’ events that we did as an Asher family. It was such an example of community and love in action.” – Former Resident

Click here for more information about Asher in Action, and to see recent examples of service events.

Beatrice Housing Network

There must have been an immense sense of love in the heart of our Founder, Beatrice Asher, to generously open her home to eight Christian Science war veterans nearly 80 years ago. It is in this same spirit that we launched the Beatrice Housing Network – connecting individuals with love-filled homes.

Our network simply facilitates the connections between Christian Scientists interested in renting a room in their home, or entire home, to Christian Scientists in search of

housing. Please note that these homes are not Asher Houses and are not run by Asher Student Foundation.

Click here to learn more about the Beatrice Housing Network.