San Francisco has intensified its efforts to address homelessness through increased encampment sweeps. However, the nonprofit GLIDE is taking a different approach by deploying community ambassadors to engage with unhoused individuals and provide essential services.
Key Takeaways
- GLIDE’s community ambassador program aims to build trust and provide resources to unhoused individuals.
- The program was launched in July as part of Mayor London Breed’s 30X30 downtown revitalization plan.
- Community ambassadors have lived experiences that help them connect with those they serve.
The Community Ambassador Program
The community ambassador program, initiated in July, was established in memory of Cecil Williams, GLIDE’s longtime pastor and civil rights leader. Funded by Mayor London Breed’s revitalization plan, the program aims to make the Tenderloin neighborhood safer and cleaner while easing the transition for unhoused individuals into housing and services.
Russell Roberts, a community ambassador, exemplifies the program’s mission. As he walks through the Tenderloin, he engages with individuals, offering food and assistance. His approach is not just about providing immediate help but also about building relationships that foster trust.
A Different Strategy
While the city has ramped up encampment sweeps, GLIDE’s strategy focuses on engagement rather than displacement. Donna LaSala, GLIDE’s chief operating and information officer, emphasizes the importance of trust in their work. The ambassadors are not only cleaning the streets but also creating connections that can lead to long-term solutions for homelessness.
- Ambassador Activities:
- Engaging with unhoused individuals
- Providing food and resources
- Offering assistance in finding housing
- Cleaning up the neighborhood
Building Community Connections
The ambassadors, who have lived experiences similar to those they serve, are crucial in establishing rapport. They understand the challenges faced by unhoused individuals and can offer tailored support. For instance, Roberts has successfully helped several individuals transition into housing, demonstrating the program’s effectiveness.
Kenneth Holloway, another ambassador, highlights the importance of daily engagement. By simply checking in with individuals on the streets, they can provide encouragement and resources, helping to re-energize those who may feel isolated.
Challenges and Successes
Despite the challenges posed by the city’s aggressive sweeps, GLIDE’s ambassadors have made significant strides. They have successfully placed individuals in shelters and provided essential resources, such as food and harm reduction tools. The program has also seen positive feedback from local businesses and community members, who appreciate the efforts to clean and revitalize the Tenderloin.
- Recent Achievements:
- Eight individuals placed in shelters
- Thirteen individuals referred to the Journey Home program
- Multiple overdose reversals and referrals to recovery support
Conclusion
GLIDE’s community ambassador program represents a compassionate and effective approach to addressing homelessness in San Francisco. By focusing on engagement and relationship-building, the program not only helps individuals find housing but also revitalizes the community as a whole. As the city continues to grapple with homelessness, initiatives like GLIDE’s offer a hopeful alternative to traditional methods.
