The Sacred Heart Residence on McGill Avenue serves as the physical home for Mobile’s low-income senior community. The Little Sisters of the Poor have operated in the city since 1901, moving into their current Midtown building in 1976.
The Sisters provide 24-hour medical, nursing, and pastoral care based on low-income financial need. No resident is ever turned away or evicted because of an inability to pay.
The non-profit facility operates without traditional corporate backing. Keeping its 75 certified beds funded requires constant support from the surrounding neighborhood. Every year, the neighborhood helps bridge this financial deficit by supporting the home’s annual lawn party.
The storm hit the property on Friday night, Oct. 16, just hours before the home’s largest public fundraiser eve.
Strong wind gusts collapsed some of the tents set up for the lawn party.
The damage caught organizers off guard. “We were very surprised. I mean, we knew there were going to be some gusty winds last night, but we were very surprised that it caused this much damage. And of course, as you can see, it’s really thrown things for a loop,” expressed David Hyland, the Director of Development.
The storm scattered items for the white elephant sale all over the place. According to a news report on the tent damage, the Sisters put out a call for local volunteers to help clear the debris and reset the overturned tables and pick up the items .
Little Sisters of the Poor Lawn Party
The 55th Annual Little Sisters of the Poor Lawn Party runs Sunday, October 18, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 1655 McGill Avenue. Admission to the grounds is free. The event features live music, plant sales, a vintage motorcycle display, a petting zoo, and children’s inflatables.
Concessions, local food vendors, and homemade baked goods will operate alongside the sprawling White Elephant yard sale. To meet operational costs, the home is hosting a Mega Raffle featuring a $10,000 grand prize with tickets priced at $500 each.
For individuals who want to support the Midtown home but cannot attend the physical gathering, direct donation channels remain fully open through the Little Sisters of the Poor Mobile Donation Portal.