PHC 45: Unforgettable Day!

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Dear PHC Supporters, On July 27th, after our Bayview Family Connect, I went home with sticky fingers from holding a mother's popsicle as she put food and other essential items she received into her and her children's backpacks. Nothing feels better than connecting a person's need to necessary resources! We were honored to collaborate with our Bayview partners for the very first Bayview Family Connect! The success was visible in the smiles of the children and words of appreciation both from providers and participants. It was a day that we all will never forget. Thank you to all the volunteers who made this event such a success! From set-up and breakdown to food distribution, you all made the day run smoothly. As I sat with the Project Homeless Connect team to debrief after the event, I realized that the day had a unique and special meaning for all of us. We were touched by the generous, open hearts of our volunteers as well as the appreciation and support shown from participants. It was nothing short of amazing. One member of our PHC team you may know, but works behind the scene, is our Events Manager, Kate Grzeca. She helps ensure every aspect of our event serves our participants from organizing the chairs and tables to strategizing services. Below are a few words about what Family Connect meant to her and what it takes to plan an event. Thank you again. Together, we made a difference. Sincerely, Kara Zordel Executive Director Project Homeless Connect Hello, I'm Kate Grzeca, the Events Manager for Project Homeless Connect. Most people just see me running around the day of the event or know to contact me for their table and chair needs. I want to give you a glimpse at what goes into an event, especially a new event like Bayview Family Connect. Our goal for each event is to make sure that we have relevant services for our participants that are organized logically, safely, and efficiently. It took more than seven months to plan and execute the Family Connect event. During those months we were: Collaborating and meeting with local organizations to address the needs of the community Identifying accessible spaces to hold the event and working with building personnel on logistics Obtaining permits and street closures Inviting non-profits who would provide relevant services Meeting with city and non-profit agencies to strategize service area management, services, etc. Coordinating supplies for providers and services Securing donations of food, hygiene items, children's items and other give-aways Planning the layout, which included: tables, chairs, electricity, internet access, traffic flow, permit and fire regulations and safety Creating outreach materials for participants and volunteers Advertising the event to participants Identifying volunteer needs and recruiting volunteers But all of this can't happen without you. Once the event opens it is up to you, our volunteers and providers to make the day great. Thank you for all your work on July 27th. We were impressed by your dedication and spirit. You worked long and hard by our side, helping out in new ways and even staying after to help clean up. For me, each event is a reward for the months of work it takes to plan. This event was no exception because together we helped families get connected to the long term support they need and enabled a new generation to end the cycle of poverty and homelessness, and that is worth all our efforts. You will see in our outcomes that we were able to do so much! We are beginning preparations for our next event. Please save the date and join us again for PHC 46 at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium on October 24th! Volunteer registration opens on September 12th. Sincerely, Kate Grzeca Events Manager Project Homeless Connect

Total number of client visits: 738

Total number of volunteers: 383

70 Banking Services (Including new Wells Fargo bank accounts) 24/15 Benefits & Follow Up Appointments Cal Works, CalFresh
74 Blood Pressure Screenings 116 California State ID Vouchers 50/33 Dental Screenings/Procedures 147 Employment 92/51/400 Eye Exams, Prescriptions & Readers 31 Hair Cuts 30 Legal Support 42 Massages 47 Medical Visits 45 Prenatal Intake 19 Senior Services 4 Medi-Cal 6 Substance Abuse, Mental Health & Methadone Treatment 13 Fun and Informative Classes 139 Family Portraits 20 Signed up for School with SFUSD 111 Housing Information 300+ Bedtime Totes from Project Night Night 21,226 lbs Groceries from SF Food Bank 600+ Books

Special Announcement



Eighth Annual "Step up to the Plate" Night Raising Awareness for those living in Poverty and Hardship Thursday, 8/23 vs. ATL 7:15 PM.

Partial proceeds from ticket sales will benefit Project Homeless Connect. Your special event ticket package also includes a Jeremy Affeldt bobblehead, only available through this offer! Jeremy is a longtime advocate for human rights and ending poverty.

Click here for more information and to buy tickets today!

PHCSF: Dental - San Francisco Project Homeless Connect

Calling All Volunteers Family Connect Needs YOU!

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Hello PHC Supporters! Family Connect is just a little more than a week away and we need your volunteer skills to make it happen! Please take a look at the volunteer opportunities listed below and make one your own today! Participant Check-In: Volunteers welcome participants, explain available services and check-off which services the participant is interested in. Volunteers are required to be seated for the duration of this five-hour shift. Training materials will be emailed prior to the event as well as an onsite training the day of the event. This volunteer opportunity is great for those who might prefer to be seated rather than standing. 12:30PM - 5:30PM, 21 more volunteers needed! Ushers: Volunteers will be stationed throughout the venue to assist participants with directions and other venue information. 12:30PM - 5:30PM, 14 more volunteers needed! Break Down Team: This role is crucial to the success of our event! Duties include breaking down and stacking tables and chairs, collecting signs, stacking barricades, clean-up and sweeping, dismantling tents and other break down tasks as assigned. This volunteer opportunity is great for those that may not be able to volunteer during regular event hours but would still like to come by later in the day. 4:30PM - 7:30PM, 15 more volunteers needed! Medical: The medical area at Project Homeless Connect is a basic urgent care center where brief medical care is provided but, more importantly, participants are connected to primary care providers in clinics throughout the city. Participants are triaged, have their vital signs taken and are then evaluated by doctors and nurse practitioners. Punctuality is essential for training purposes. On-site orientation provided from 12:00PM - 1:00PM. 12:00PM - 5:30PM. Physicians: 5 more volunteers needed! RN/LV: 4 more volunteers needed! MA/Nursing: 12 more volunteers needed! Family Connect will take place in the Bayview/Hunters Point neighborhood. We are excited for our new location at the intersection of Third Street and Oakdale Avenue including the Bayview Opera House Ruth Williams Memorial Theater, the Joseph Lee Recreation Center and Mendell Square. Services will include medical, dental, vision, employment, prenatal, women's health, school registration (through SFUSD), financial counseling, banking and more. Workshops and classes available for the whole family! Due to the smaller size of this event, pre-registration is required. Click here to register today or contact Randall Stowe at randall.stowe@sfdph.org or (415) 503-2124. Friday, July 27th Bayview Opera House Ruth Williams Memorial Theater 4705 Third St. (@Oakdale Ave.) San Francisco, CA 94124 Volunteer shifts available between the hours of 8:00AM - 7:30PM Participant service hours from 1:00PM - 5:00PM. Special Announcement Eighth Annual "Step up to the Plate" Night Raising Awareness for those living in Poverty and Hardship Thursday, 8/23 vs. ATL 7:15 PM. Partial proceeds from ticket sales will benefit Project Homeless Connect. Your special event ticket package also includes a Jeremy Affeldt bobblehead, only available through this offer! Jeremy is a longtime advocate for human rights and ending poverty. Click here for more information and to buy tickets today!

25 Van Ness Ave Ste 340 | San Francisco, CA 94102 US

Vollunteers needed for Family Connect

Dear PHC Supporters,

With our next Project Homeless Connect event, Family Connect, less than three weeks away, the time to act is now! Volunteers are still needed in the following service areas:

• Set Up Team: The morning of the event volunteers are needed to assist with set up. Duties include: arranging tables and chairs, hanging signs, placing barricades and cones, and other set-up tasks as assigned. Must be able to lift and/or carry up to 35 lbs. 8:30AM - 1:00PM, 10 more volunteers needed!
• Ushers: Volunteers will be stationed throughout the venue to assist participants with directions and other venue information. 12:30PM - 5:30PM, 16 more volunteers needed!
• Break Down Team: This role is crucial to the success of our event! Duties include breaking down and stacking tables and chairs, collecting signs, stacking barricades, clean-up and sweeping, dismantling tents and other break down tasks as assigned. 4:30PM - 7:30PM, 15 more volunteers needed!
• Volunteer Central: Volunteers welcome and register other volunteers. Duties include: registration, distribution of PHC volunteer t-shirts and venue maps, as well as general information about the day. Afternoon shift only. 11:00AM - 3:30PM, 6 more volunteers needed!
• Medical: The medical area at Project Homeless Connect is a basic urgent care center where brief medical care is provided but, more importantly, participants are connected to primary care providers in clinics throughout the city. Participants are triaged, have their vital signs taken and are then evaluated by doctors and nurse practitioners. Punctuality is essential for training purposes. On-site orientation provided from 12:00PM - 1:00PM. 12:00PM - 5:30PM.
• Physicians: 15 more volunteers needed!
• RN/LV: 7 more volunteers needed!
• MA/Nursing: 5 more volunteers needed!

Family Connect will take place in the Bayview/Hunters Point neighborhood. We are excited for our new location at the intersection of Third Street and Oakdale Avenue including the Bayview Opera House Ruth Williams Memorial Theater, the Joseph Lee Recreation Center and Mendell Square.

Services will include medical, dental, vision, employment, prenatal, women's health, school registration (through SFUSD) and more. Workshops and classes available for the whole family!

Due to the smaller size of this event, volunteer pre-registration is required. 　 　 　 　

Friday, July 27th
Bayview Opera House
Ruth Williams Memorial Theater
4705 Third St. (@Oakdale Ave.)
San Francisco, CA 94124

Volunteer shifts available between the hours of 8:00AM - 7:30PM
Participant service hours from 1:00PM - 5:00PM
Click here to register today or contact Randall Stowe at randall.stowe@sfdph.org or (415) 503-2124.

Volunteer Registration Open for July 27th

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Dear PHC Supporters, We would like to announce our next Project Homeless Connect event ... Family Connect! Join us on Friday, July 27th and be a part of this extraordinary day of service. Family Connect will take place in the Bayview/Hunters Point neighborhood. We are excited for our new location at the intersection of Third Street and Oakdale Avenue including the Bayview Opera House, the Joe Lee Recreation Center and Mendell Square. Services will include medical, dental, vision, employment, prenatal, women's health, school registration (through SFUSD) and more. Workshops and classes available for the whole family! Due to the smaller size of this event, pre-registration is required. Click here to register today or contact Randall Stowe at randall.stowe@sfdph.org or (415) 503-2124. Friday, July 27th Bayview Opera House 4705 Third St. (@Oakdale Ave.) San Francisco, CA 94124 Volunteer shifts available between the hours of 8:00AM-7:30PM Participant service hours from 1:00PM-5:00PM

25 Van Ness Ave Ste 340 | San Francisco, CA 94102 US

Bayview Family Connect! July 27th

VOLUNTEER REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!

In preparation for Family Connect, we have been partnering with our amazing Bayview providers and collaborators in innovative ways! It is our desire to connect all participants to accessible local resources that can help take them one step closer to their goals.

We’re partnering with the Bayview Hunters Point Mobilization for Adolescent Growth in Our Communities (Bmagic) to help provide backpacks and school supplies for the 2,200 homeless children in the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) and the low-income residents of the Bayview. Families who sign up at PHC45 will be able to pick up their backpacks at a special event at Bmagic in August. Families who were unable to get school immunizations or learn how to enroll their kids in school at PHC45, will also have second opportunity to do so at the follow-up event in August. BMAGIC can also provide school uniforms for families who many times have to choose between groceries or school items. We love our collaborators!

Some new partnerships will help PHC45 respond to the high childhood obesity rate in the Bayview. Long-time partners, Cal-Fresh and the Food Bank will be at our event to sign people up for food stamps and to provide free groceries. New partners, including the SEFA Food Guardians and Leah’s Pantry will teach participants how to find fresh local foods and cook healthy meals from the ingredients the food pantry is distributing at our event.

A first at Project Homeless Connect events, PHC45 will have fun and educational classes taught throughout the day that encourage healthier lives and diets. Primarily taught by Bayview residents and organizations, participants will not only learn, but be able to enjoy local arts and culture. One of our newest providers, the Whitney Young Child Development Center’s Dance Troop will perform and encourage participants to get involved with their program.

In order to fulfill the emergent needs of participants and encourage them to connect to the services that will help them make long-term changes, participants will receive incentives for participating in educational opportunities and signing up for support services. For example, bags with books, toys, blankets and diapers (donated by Project Nigh Night, Help a Mother Out and Earth Baby), will be given to families who complete the fifteen minute intake process with the Homeless Prenatal Program (HPP). Participants who may come because they need diapers the day of the event, will learn were they can get support to have diapers as long as their baby needs them. Participants who just wanted free toys for their kids, may learn that HPP also provides job training, parenting classes, case management, addiction recovery, domestic violence support, computer classes, housing and furniture.

PHC45 is a one day event, but our goal is to help participants get connected to resources that can change their life. On top of all the great partnerships listed above, we will also have more women’s medical services than we have ever been able to offer.

We encourage you to contact us and let us know if you would like to help in anyway to make PHC45 a success. Your support of our work makes it possible!

SF CARES Footwashing Video

PHC 44 - Outcomes

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Dear PHC Supporter, The first time I met Phil, one of Project Homeless Connect's long-time volunteers, he gave me his card which read: "Dreamer ... and why not?" I flipped it over and read: "Really ... why not?" I keep Phil's card on my computer where I can see it to remind myself of its message. Project Homeless Connect began as a dream. The community and its leadership were moved by the needs of so many that, just like Phil, they thought: "Really ... why not?" Project Homeless Connect continues to dream big. We dream of a day when no person will sleep on the street, a day when no senior citizen goes without food or a safe place to call home. To make this dream a reality we depend on new partnerships with city agencies, business and nonprofits and relationships with dedicated volunteers. We are constantly developing new strategies to ensure we meet needs now and in the future. I believe these dreams can come true. Will you dream with us? Let's mobilize resources by using social media. We invite you to "like" us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @PHCSF. We are sharing our #PHCdailyneed for resources to support homeless individuals and the good things PHC and our amazing volunteers are doing. You can also let us know your dreams and ideas on how to respond to homelessness in San Francisco. Below are the results from our May 9th event. After compiling all of our numbers, our official total is 1,745 participants served! Working together we helped these individuals improve their health, look for a job, connect with loved ones, and fulfill a bit of their dreams. Let's keep dreaming, because really ... why not? Kara Zordel Executive Director Project Homeless Connect Total number of client visits: 1,745 Total number of volunteers: 990 65 Acupuncture Treatments 40 Banking Services (Including new Wells Fargo bank accounts) 149 Benefits & Follow Up Appointments CalWorks, CalFresh, GA , PAES 114 California State IDs 104 Dental 269 Employment 96/79/688 Eye Exams, Prescription Glasses & Readers 101 Haircuts 30 Hearing Tests 88 Legal Support 1515 Lunches Served 81 Massage Therapy 182 Medical & Follow Up Appointments 100 Senior Services 198 SSI/Medi-Cal 200 Sprint Phone Calls to family or friends 22 TB Tests 30 Podiatry 102 Pet Care 400 Google Voicemail Accounts 12 Wheelchair Repairs 24/5 were off the street in Shelters & through Stabilization

25 Van Ness Ave Ste 340 | San Francisco, CA 94102 US

Vision Video

Interested in volunteering? Contact Randall Stowe at 415-503-2124 or by emailing Randall.Stowe@sfdph.org
Want to sponser a pair of prescription glasses for a participant?  Donate $50 (per pair of glasses) and include vision in the memo line.

Volunteers Needed!

Dear PHC Supporters:

With PHC 44 less than a week away, volunteers are still needed in three crucial areas.

Check-In: 17 Volunteers Still Needed

• Check-In requires an ALL-DAY commitment from 8:30AM-3:30PM

Check-In volunteers welcome and review available services with participants, allowing individuals to prioritize need and plan their day at PHC.

Check-Out: 22 Volunteers Still Needed

• AM Shift (8:30AM-1:00PM): 7 Volunteers still needed
• PM Shift (12:30PM-4:00PM): 8 Volunteers still needed
• All-Day Shift (8:30AM-4:00PM): 7 Volunteers still needed

Check-Out is the final stop at Project Homeless Connect. Check-Out volunteers work one-on-one with participants before they leave to ensure they have received the services that they need.

Café: 24 Volunteers Still Needed

• AM Shift (8:30AM-1:00PM): 13 Volunteers still needed
• PM Shift (12:30PM-4:00PM: 8 Volunteers still needed
• All-Day Shift (8:30AM-4:00PM): 3 Volunteers still needed

Café Connect is a mini-restaurant which serves meals to participants. Volunteers in the Café will host, wait on participants, prep food and bus tables.


Please register online, email Randall Stowe or call (415) 503-2124.

When emailing or calling please include your name, email address, phone number, service area of choice (Check-In, Check-Out, Café) and desired shift (AM, PM, all-day).

We are expecting record numbers of participants at this event and we need your help to provide the best service possible!

Event Volunteers Needed

Project Homeless Connect 44
Wednesday, May 9th, 2012 VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

Volunteers are needed in the following service areas:

• Check-In - This is an all-day shift from 8:30AM - 4:00PM, we need 36 more volunteers!
• Café - Morning shift 8:30AM - 1:00PM, we need 20 more volunteers!
• Check-Out - Afternoon shift 12:30PM-4:00PM, we need 14 more volunteers!
• Optometrists, Opticians & Ophthalmologists needed to help in our Vision service area!

Volunteer hours are 8:30am-4pm with many shifts still available. Most opportunities offer an AM shift (8:30am-1pm), a PM shift (12:30-4pm), and an all-day shift (8:30-4pm). Click here to sign up today!

Day of Details, Instruction and Information

This event will be held at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium at 99 Grove St. in San Francisco.

Volunteer Entrance will be clearly marked and is in the middle of the building on Grove Street. Volunteer registration is upstairs on the 2nd floor (unless you are a City employee, Medical or DMV/Legal volunteer please see below). You will be asked to sign a waiver and wear a name tag.

City Employees will register just inside the volunteer entrance in the main lobby to the left.

Medical volunteers will register in the Medical service area on the main floor.

DMV/Legal volunteers will register in the DMV/Legal service area on the main floor.

T-shirts will be given to new volunteers. If you have one already please wear it as this cost-savings can be passed along to the participants. Dress comfortably as most of our volunteer positions involve standing and/or walking.

Bathrooms are located on the 2nd floor above Polk and Larkin Hall. Water fountains are located outside of the main auditorium. One bottle of water will be given with lunch, please bring a reusable water bottle with you if available.

Leave all valuables at home as we DO NOT have a coat check or secure place for you to leave items. Please bring only what you can hold/carry on your person (fanny-packs work wonders!)

Transportation and Parking: Bill Graham Civic Auditorium is located at the Civic Center MUNI and BART stop. Numerous bus lines come within a block of the venue. Please go to http://511.org to map your trip. We DO NOT have parking reserved for volunteers or providers. There is a parking garage with limited parking underneath Civic Center Plaza at a rate of $3/hour. Details can be found here: http://civiccentergarage.com

Thanks for volunteering at Project Homeless Connect!

PHC: eNewsletter

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Project Homeless Connect 44 Wednesday, May 9th Volunteer Hours 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM Bill Graham Civic Auditorium 99 Grove Street Follow us on Twitter, and like us on Facebook for volunteer opportunities, prizes and the #PHCdailyneed. Family Connect July 27th, 2012 We are excited to announce that our next event will be a Family Connect in the Bayview! If you have ideas or would like to participate please email our Events Manager, Kate Grzeca, or call (415) 503-2153. Backpack Drive for SF Kids We hope you'll join schools, interfaith groups and others in our backpack drive. Backpacks full of school supplies will be distributed at our July 27th Family Connect. Learn more Volunteer Today! Shifts are filling up quickly! Be sure to register today to assure yourself the volunteer opportunity of your choice. Most opportunities offer an AM shift (8:30am-1pm), a PM shift (12:30-4pm), and an all-day shift (8:30-4pm). Please note: Check-In only offers an all-day shift. Register for your shift now! Are you a licensed barber, vision specialist or a podiatrist? Our participants need your help! Please consider donating your time to help your community. For more information contact Randall Stowe at (415) 503-2124. Click here to download a copy of our current volunteer flyer for posting in your office, community room, classroom or elsewhere! Click here to download a copy of our participant flyer if you know of a person in need of our services. Hard copies of both volunteer flyers and participant flyers are also available at our office. Please call ahead to arrange a time to stop by and pick some up (415) 503-2123. Volunteer Spotlight Shelley A. Carroll, MSN, RN, CNOR(E) Newly retired from my nursing career and eager to make a difference in my community, I was drawn to Project Homeless Connect. Some people think there's no homelessness in my South Beach neighborhood, but that's just not true. There is evidence outside the restaurants and the shops I frequent and on the block where I live. As a medical entry volunteer at Project Homeless Connect for more than 6 years, I've signed in thousands of people who need medical services. I have witnessed firsthand what a difference this project makes in our community and I encourage others to do so too!

25 Van Ness Ave Ste 340 % Nixon Peabody Llp | San Francisco, CA 94102 US This email was sent to communitygarden@projecthomelessconnect.com. To ensure that you continue receiving our emails, please add us to your address book or safe list. manage your preferences | opt out using TrueRemove™ Got this as a forward? Sign up to receive our future emails. EmailNow powered by Emma

Diapers for Family Connect

When you think about the homeless in San Francisco, you probably do not think of diapers.  Yet, diapers are expensive, vital to the health of babies and infants and something that you can help us provide at our July 27^th Family Connect.  Check out our amazon wishlist page it will enable you to buy diapers and have them mailed directly to our offices. 

Still not convinced?  Check out these facts below from The HUGGIES® Every Little Bottom Study: 

·         1 in 20 American mothers struggling with diaper need and have cleaned out and reused wet or soiled disposable diapers.

·         In poor and low-income families, a baby can spend a day or longer in one diaper, leading to potential health and abuse risks.

·         1 in 3 families in America struggle to afford diapers for their children. 34% of families surveyed had cut back on basics such as food, utilities or child care in order to purchase diapers for their child.

·         At an average cost of $18 per week, families require $936—more than 4% of poverty-threshold income—per child per year for diapers.

·         Families from a range of incomes struggle to afford diapers, including both families who fall below the federal guideline of poverty ($22,350 for a family of four) and families with incomes above the federal poverty guideline but who are still considered low-income.

Check out our wishlist now and send some diapers our way.

Or, check out our #PHCdailyneed. 

eNewsletter

Project Homeless Connect 44 Wednesday, May 9th Volunteer Hours 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM Bill Graham Civic Auditorium 99 Grove Street Follow us on Twitter, and like us on Facebook for volunteer opportunities, prizes and the #PHCdailyneed. Family Connect July 27th, 2012 We are excited to announce that our next event will be a Family Connect in the Bayview! If you have ideas or would like to participate please email our Events Manager, Kate Grzeca, or call (415) 503-2153. Backpack Drive for SF Kids We hope you'll join schools, interfaith groups and others in our backpack drive. Backpacks full of school supplies will be distributed at our July 27th Family Connect. Learn more

Volunteer Today! Shifts are filling up quickly! Be sure to register today to assure yourself the volunteer opportunity of your choice. Most opportunities offer an AM shift (8:30am-1pm), a PM shift (12:30-4pm), and an all-day shift (8:30-4pm). Please note: Check-In only offers an all-day shift. Register for your shift now! Are you a licensed barber, vision specialist or a podiatrist? Our participants need your help! Please consider donating your time to help your community. For more information contact Randall Stowe at (415) 503-2124. Click here to download a copy of our current volunteer flyer for posting in your office, community room, classroom or elsewhere! Click here to download a copy of our participant flyer if you know of a person in need of our services. Hard copies of both volunteer flyers and participant flyers are also available at our office. Please call ahead to arrange a time to stop by and pick some up (415) 503-2123. Volunteer Spotlight Shelley A. Carroll, MSN, RN, CNOR(E) Newly retired from my nursing career and eager to make a difference in my community, I was drawn to Project Homeless Connect. Some people think there's no homelessness in my South Beach neighborhood, but that's just not true. There is evidence outside the restaurants and the shops I frequent and on the block where I live. As a medical entry volunteer at Project Homeless Connect for more than 6 years, I've signed in thousands of people who need medical services. I have witnessed firsthand what a difference this project makes in our community and I encourage others to do so too!

Project Homeless Connect Backpack Drive

According to a December 4, 2011 article in the San Francisco Chronicle, "in the [San Francisco's] public schools, there are 2,200 homeless children, some in shelters, others in cars, or on couches, or in long-term hotel rooms. That's 400 more homeless children than a year ago."

We hope you’ll join school groups, interfaith groups and others in our backpack drive. Backpacks will be distributed at our July 27th Family Connect.

How you can help:

• Purchase one or more backpacks and the supplies needed for one student (we’ll send you the list of supplies after you sign up below)
• Label the back pack with the grade and sex it’s intended for
• Deliver the backpack to Project Homeless Connect or one of our drop off locations around the Bay Area (we’ll send you information about delivery after you sign up below)
• Sign up to help now and we’ll send you supply lists for the grades we still need backpacks for.  Click here to sign up.

Thank you: Sports Basement for supporting our backpack drive by offering a 10% discount to customers who mention Project Homeless Connect

Pete Talks about Haircutting: Volunteers Needed

Interested in volunteering? Contact Randall Stowe at 415-503-2124 or by emailing Randall.Stowe@sfdph.org


Able to help donate some barber stools? Contact Megan Rohrer at 415-503-2196 or by emailing Megan.Rohrer@sfdph.org

A Closer Look at Books

Dear PHC Supporters,

Life on the streets is hard for everyone. Housed and homeless alike often need a break from the stresses of daily life and a book can provide an escape to another world where we can be among friends, fight dragons, or be the President of the United States.

Project Homeless Connect is grateful to the Friends of the San Francisco Public Library who, since 2005, continue to donate a variety of books for each event. A book offers knowledge, adventure and humor, which is why the book table continues to be a popular and frequented space at each event.

In July we are hosting a special PHC focused on families and children. Books are an essential tool for building reading and life skills and can be the key to success. Please consider donating a new children's book to help enrich the lives of our youth. Below are the remaining event dates for 2012. We hope that you will support us and we look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events.

2012 Dates
May 9 - Bill Graham Civic Auditorium
July 27 - Bayview Family Connect
October 17 - Bill Graham Civic Auditorium
December 5 - Bill Graham Civic Auditorium


Kara Zordel
Director,
Project Homeless Connect

Thank You: River Soap Company

A big thank you to the River Soap Company, who donated 7,500 bars of soap to Project Homeless Connect.

Did you know that we give out toiletry kits to each participant at our events?

This donation is about a years supply of soap for our events. During this cold and flu season, toiletry donations are vital to the health of our participants.

The donations above are the result of a toiletry drive organized by a San Francisco student who encouraged her family and friends to support Project Homeless Connect. Donation drives like this remind us that people of all ages can make a real difference in the lives of San Francisco's homeless residents.

We're still looking for toiletry donations for our July 27th Family Connect. This special event will focus on families and children and we will need 2,000 donations of baby lotions and shampoos.

Let us know if you're interested in supporting this project. Remember, you can always support our project buy donating online.

Support Homeless School Kids

Results from PHC43

Dear PHC Supporters,

It's been said that when we stand alone we are nothing, but when we stand on the shoulders of our fellow man - we are giants! And like our San Francisco Giants, on February 15th we hit a home run! Here are the results for team PHC 43!

Total number of client visits: 1714
Total number of volunteers: 1102

62 ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENTS
42 WELLS FARGO BANKING ACCOUNTS
159/109 BENEFITS & FOLLOW UP APPTS Cal Works, Food Stamps, GA
380 CALIFORNIA STATE ID's
150 DENTAL
163 EMPLOYMENT
128/85/715 EYE EXAMS & PRESCRIPTIONS, READING GLASSES
17,217 lbs.GROCERIES from Food Bank and Greenleaf
125 HAIR CUTS
27 HEARING TESTS56HIV TESTS
105 LEGAL SUPPORT
1415 LUNCHES SERVED
83 MASSAGE THERAPY
198 MEDICAL and FOLLOW UP APPTS
60 NEEDLE EXCHANGE
78 SENIOR SERVICES
75 SSI/MEDI-CAL
27/29 SUBSTANCE ABUSE, MENTAL HEALTH & METHADONE TREATMENT
250 SPRINT PHONE CALLS to family or friends
20 TB TESTS
55 PODIATRY
7 VETERANS SERVICES
83/34 VETERINARY CARE and PET SITTING
400 GOOGLE VOICEMAIL ACCOUNTS
16 WHEELCHAIR REPAIRS
12/9/40 were off the street in SHELTER, STABILIZATION, HOMEWARD BOUND


Below is an incredibly moving video of stories from our podiatry section recorded at our last event. This short video highlights the struggles and challenges caused by foot ailments. We desperately need more podiatrists at our events.

If this video touches your heart, as it has mine, pass it along to anyone who might be interested in volunteering. I would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Bill who has worked tirelessly in this area.



Thank you,

Kara Zordel
Director, Project Homeless Connect

Video: PHC43 Podiatry Story

If you are interested in volunteer opportunities please email Randall.Stowe@sfdph.org or call (415)503 - 2124.

Thank You: Hilton and SF Friends School

A special thank you to our friends at the Hilton who donated toiletries for more than 400 individuals at our upcoming Project Homeless Connect event on February 15th. This donation along with those of other organizations and individuals, will enable us to hand out 2,000 toiletry kits and socks (as we do at each event).

Another group of note that has helped get donations for these kits is a group of 6th graders from the SF Friends School. So far, they've collected 70 pairs of socks for our event.

What other project can you think of that allows corporations like the Hilton and local 6th graders work together to help homeless individuals improve their quality of life?

Toiletries may not seem like much. Many of you may even leave them unused in hotels when you travel. Yet, at our event this toiletry kit could enable:

• one individual who got employment services to be successful at a job interview the next day


• another individual to wash their hands regularly and decrease their likelihood of getting the flu


• another individual to use the toothbrush and toothpaste to prevent painful and expensive dental procedures.


• another individual (who attends the event with the intent of getting toiletries or socks) to see that they can also get help with other medical, dental, hearing and vision needs that they didn't know they could access


• another individual, facing the complex issues that surround homelessness, to feel supported by diverse members of the community

Interested in helping us? There is still time for you to volunteer at our event.

Our first event of 2012 is in less than a week and we want to see you there! Please register today to volunteer!

PHC 43 - Wednesday, February 15th, 2012 - VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
The event will be held at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium and volunteer hours are 8:30am-4pm with many shifts still available. Most opportunities offer an AM shift (8:30am-1pm) a PM shift (12:30-4pm) and an all-day shift (8:30-4pm).

Service Areas where we need more volunteers to sign up are:
Check-In and Data Entry: Great if you prefer to be seated!

Volunteer Central: Great for early risers! 7:30am start time

Dental: Great for dental or nursing students!

Interpreters: Cantonese, Mandarin, Spanish, Tagalog and sign language too

Additional Opportunities for PHC 43
If you are interested in any of the following volunteer opportunities please email Randall.Stowe@sfdph.org or call (415)503 - 2124.

Coffee Crew
Calling all early risers! Thanks to the generous donation from Peet's Coffee we are able to offer coffee early in the morning for both our volunteers and participants. No fancy barista experience required here. We will just be serving good old - fashioned java by the cup! 7:00am start time required!

Additional PHC Needs
Our regular donor is unable to provide us with socks for our February 15th event. We need at least 1,000 pairs donated in the next two weeks! Clean white socks (preferably in men's sizes and athletic style with grey toes and heals). Please contact Megan.Rohrer@sfph.org or call 415-503-2196. You can learn more on our blog.

Volunteer Support Needed - 2/15/12

Dear PHC Supporters,

Project Homeless Connect 43 - Wednesday February 15th, 2012
Our first event of 2012 is in two weeks and registration is open now! The event will be held at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium and volunteer hours are 8:30am - 4pm with many shifts still available.

Already a member? Please log on today!

Not a member yet? Please log on and create a quick profile here.

Once you have a created your PHC profile you can then click on the Volunteer Shifts tab to see what volunteer opportunity appeals to you the most. Most opportunities offer an AM shift (8:30am - 1pm) a PM shift (12:30pm - 4pm) and an all - day shift (8:30am - 4pm).

Additional Opportunities for PHC 43
If you are interested in any of the following volunteer opportunities please email Randall.Stowe@sfdph.org or call (415)503 - 2124.

Coffee Crew
Calling all early risers! Thanks to the generous donation from Peet's Coffee we are able to offer coffee early in the morning for both our volunteers and participants. No fancy barista experience required here. We will just be serving good old - fashioned java by the cup! 7:00am start time required!

Hygiene Kit Assembly
Your assistance is needed to collate hygiene kits the day before our event on Tuesday, February 14th from 1pm - 4pm.

Interpreters
Are you bilingual? We are in need of your skills - Cantonese, Mandarin, Spanish, Tagalog and sign language too! The homeless and low income of San Francisco need you, don't miss out!

Dental
We are looking for a few key leadership volunteers who are bilingual to work in our Dental service area. Please call for details.

Sock donations needed!

Dear friends of Project Homeless Connect,

Our regular donors of socks are unable to provide us with socks for our February 15th event. That means we need to get at least 1,000 donated in less than a month.

Socks are one of the most requested items. If you've ever had to wear the same pair of socks for three days or more, you know that after the third day socks get hard and smelly. Sometime after that any dye inside the socks can begin to leach into your skin and cause severe health problems to your legs.

Homeless people who have to leave their shoes on whie they sleep, to prevent their shoes from being stolen, have additional problems with their feet if they don't have clean socks on a regular basis.

While its not fun to think about, I'm explaining this to you so you'll understand how important a donation of clean white socks (preferably in men's sizes and the athletic kind with grey toes and heals) can be.

All that said, I'm hoping that you'll help. You can either buy a bunch of socks and deliver or mail them to our office: Project Homeless Connect, c/o Megan Rohrer, 25 Van Ness, Suite 340, San Francisco, Ca, 94102

Or, you can send an online donation and let us know in the memo line that you'd like to support socks at the event.

Thanks in advance for your help!