Totally depends on who you get. Staff there are volunteers, some of them ore former or practicing…read moreattorneys or paralegals, but some are not, although all are experienced. If you don't know a thing about SF rent laws and regulations, this is a place to start. But if you've done your own research and if your case is complex, they will offer very little information, but can refer you to a tenants affirmative lawyers for legal advice. Pro: they consult on the phone. Great informational start. Cons: if you need a legal advice, this place is not enough.

Grateful for the work this group does.. Based on prior meh reviews, it's possible I got lucky. I…read moreonly spoke with 1 person throughout my ordeal-- I was so appreciative. They were reliable-- called back the same if not next day. The person I spoke to (and am eternally grateful for) is Ping; she was honest, supportive, and realistic. It was kind of them to spend the amount of time on the phone they did with me. And this service was free of cost (donations appreciated). I donated but this person's kindness and generosity was prior to my very modest donation. I also paid membership to the tenants union-- one was very helpful, the other shamed me for calling (made me afraid to callthem back). Always a mixed bag I guess, but I am so grateful for the housing rights committee. Reach out to them!

Rape Trauma Services (RTS) is in the Peninsula area and protect your security and comfort of their…read morevalued and vulnerable clients. These days even people like myself, from awhile back I'm in pain and fear again with so much on TV with the court hearings and Me Too, it's hard to ignore and caused me some post traumatic stress syndrome. RTS has a hotline 24 hours a day 7 days a week and it helps to call them. One can also ask about seeing someone there or they often have a group. I would recommend calling them first if assaulted and if you call the police, please make sure someone is there with you. If police show up and you are not comfortable, it may be awkward, but legal and okay to ask them to call first and come back when you are prepared and hopefully not alone during their interview, as it can be hard. You are the victim and need to protect and care for yourself and please do, or IT can ruin your life, but there is help and Rape Trauma Services is great, comforting, understanding, helpful and believe in you. 650 652-0598 TAKE CARE.

DO NOT VOLUNTEER HERE! I repeat - DO NOT VOLUNTEER HERE!…read more There is a lot of problems with executive management. They fill their boards with friends of theirs and have little accountability. They do not take care of their volunteers. They report false numbers to their granting agencies. The staff turnover is insane! Truly insane. I am a previous volunteer there and it sickened and saddened me to know of the practices that went on there - and how rape survivors were constantly turned away for services, weren't called back, etc. The staff is wonderful, but the co-ex directors are TERRIBLE. They also hate each other and cannot ever get anything done or bring progress to the agency. One of them is now dying because she is very old, senile and having health problems so the leadership is left to the other director who is completely uninvolved, never at the actual organization and only there to collect a paycheck. Please do not give your money to this agency. Go to one of the legitimate organizations in SF or East Bay instead.

Seini really went out of her way to be helpful with an urgent situation. My family is am extremely…read moregrateful. I wish everyone in life could be as caring as this woman. Thank you Seini!

They seem very disorganized, disinterested, and slow at responding. Obscenely high price quoted…read morefor outreach to my community.

I had to get my mom supplies since she had a bad infection and I wanted to be ready for her needs…read morewhen she came home. This is such a wonderful program available!!! I was able to get a version of Depends type underwear, a walker with a seat, shower chair, commode and bed rail. The volunteer staff were amazing, friendly and very helpful with all kinds of tips on how to use the equipment to keep her safe. Saturday when they open was already busy. at 9:30am. It just shows that many people especially senior depends on their services. Please consider making a donation to this nonprofit organization. This my second time a loved one needed their equipment and it's a valued organization to have around. Thank you MELP! Hours listed below. Distribution Pick-Up Hours: San Carlos: every Saturday 9:30 to 11:30am South San Francisco: every Saturday 9:00 to 11:00am Donation and Return Drop-Off Hours: San Carlos: every Wednesday 2 to 4pm South San Francisco: every Thursday 2 to 4pm

What an amazing organization! I learned about MELP initially when I was looking for a place to…read moredonate new/unopened medical supplies. We were recently in need of rehabilitation equipment so I knew just where to go! I can't believe the available equipment and supplies are FREE. I'm impressed by the logistical organization and all the dedicated volunteers who run MELP. It's very simple to get registered on their tablet and you get paired up with a volunteer to describe what you're looking for (so the volunteer can retrieve it from the warehouse). I described my physical therapy plans and the volunteer was able to find me exactly what we needed -- it was perfect! They kindly offered to help me load the equipment in my car. Once we're recovered, I plan to donate the equipment back. I'm grateful that this free program is available for our community. I highly recommend visiting MELP for medical supply/equipment needs before having to buy something. Or if you no longer need equipment (e.g., crutches, canes, wedge pillows, walkers, bed railing, basins, etc.) and consumable supplies, it's a wonderful organization to donate to. Many thanks to all the volunteer organizers for this amazing community support!! I'm so inspired by you.

I am really glad that I am a part of this organization. Asian Women's Shelter (AWS) is really…read moreperforming a wonderful service. For the past year and half I have been volunteering at AWS and it has really made a large impact in my life. As an Asian woman, I understand how difficult it is for other Asian women to stand up against their abusers due to a submissive culture. While I have been fortunate enough to be taught to think for myself and understand that I have limitless options, this is not the case for many of the women I meet at the shelter. As a volunteer, I am proud to have had the chance to help these women who were brave enough to stand up to their abusers and brave enough to start a new life. A majority of my volunteering has been with the children's program. This gave me the opportunity to work with the children of abuse victims and try to help them cope with their situations. Even if it was just a short escape from a turbulent home life, I hope that I was able to connect with the children and make a difference in their lives. Unfortunately, work has been getting in the way of volunteering with the children's program. But, those were definitely my most memorable experiences with AWS. The volunteer program at AWS is crucial to the organization. There is a nine week training program that all volunteers have to attend. That translates to a Saturday training that starts 9am-5pm. These trainings give volunteers greater insights into domestic violence and train us to better support the victims. After the training, the organization asks that volunteers commit to at least one year of volunteering. There are trainings bi-annually; and you must complete the training in order to become a volunteer. If you have a few extra hours in the day, please consider donating your time to AWS. It's a wonderful organization that is giving 110% back to this community and helping women empower themselves.

* ***…read more *** *** **** ***** ***** ***** ********* 8 ********* ********* 888 ********** ********** 8 ********** ++++++++++++++++++++++++ + ASIAN WOMEN SHELTER + ++++++++++++++++++++++++ Thanksgiving is coming up and I am feeling reflective today. I am thankful that this non-profit organization is available for women and children Even though, it reads Asian Women Shelter, it is open for all women and children who are in an abusive relationship. This haven gives support for women and children escaping violence who will have a place to heal and rebuild their lives. Beckie Masaki is the executive director who will be celebrating their 20th anniversary with their fund raising dinner in May 2008. On a personal note: Havens like Asian Women Shelter did not exist in my early years and I feel this is an important integral part of any community for our future growth. There are so many non-profs out there, i.e., museums, the arts, etc.,and unfortunately, this small haven is often bypassed. [The above graphic is my attempt of "Madonna and Child"]

UPDATE: I was here again from January to April 2019. What can I say? The 6 pm curfew is still the…read moresame(sigh), but you now cannot go outside in the yard past 10 pm, when before, it used to be at midnight when they lock the shelter doors. Also, you can no longer hang out in the front, as they now opened the backyard to the clients. Both times I was here at Maple St, I was in one of the private cubicle rooms, which I liked having my privacy in a shelter. But people have told me after I left that they moved all of the womens dorms to the back building of the shelter, which means women no longer has access to the private cubicles, only men do now. That's another reason why still 4 stars. Besides those downgrades since my first time there, the staff was still amazing, especially Dorese(I hope I spelled his name right), Jennifer Werner, Tracy Robertson, Connie Leyva, Donna, Marilyn, and Chris Jones. Those were my favorite staff members working there at the time(s) I was a client. I also had the most amazing case manager; Fabiola Prieto! She was my case manager both times I was there at Maple. She worked really hard to help get my housing, which I'm in now! So I'm thankful for that!

First, this shelter started out fine, until I came across job failures at no fault of my own. In…read morethe past 4 months of staying here. Then during my stay there, I had a medical emergency. To where I ended up admitted at the hospital for almost 2 weeks. And an additional 2 weeks for recovery. In order to go back to work. I ended up spending most of my savings on my personal finances such as phone, storage and medical expenses on medication and eating food out. I was on the verge of getting back getting on my feet and restart my saving again. Even though I stay there since last December. I ended using most of my $ on monthly personal expenses. I even gave a written letter stating my financial plan to my caseworker. This month of July to get back to where I should be. All of a sudden yesterday. I get a written notice my of terminating there. 2 weeks. Instead of the 30-day notice. This shelter is not kind to the working people and doesn't care at all. They treat adults like a bunch of children! The staff assumes that everyone who comes to his place. Is a drug addict, alcoholic, mentally disturbed or problems. I'm homeless because today's society put me there. Rent here in California is ridiculously high. No reasonable or affordable housing! The min wage maybe high. But that doesn't mean that your job will pay you enough by hours, or full-time job or your net pay! Most your of net pay goes to rent. No food or able to pay your bills. The is no staff discipline to control most the people there. Some of these people are poor hygiene both body and clothes. Don't shower or keep their bed area clean. Lazy and filthy animals! My bunk buddy pisses his bed every week! I ended up had to keep washing my bedding and keep smelling his urine bed while sleeping and waking up. Sure there is free food. Most of the food is very outdated. Potential getting sick with food poisoning residents there alike vultures. Eat everything until all of it is gone. Even before people get up in the more breakfast at 6:00 am. Most the residents that stay there. Are nasty, pan-handling thugs, rude and always negative. Ask for $ or food, etc. Hardly sleep because of loud snoring, talking at night while sleeping. In which there is no respect for those people who are working! This place is a fucking joke! Have to follow stupid rules. To those people who abuse the privileges. Instead of treating people on a case by case basis! Not everyone is a low-class bum and refuse to change! Or do something for themselves to get out. In order to stay there, you have been available to do their free chores, with no or little income and go to their require meetings. In which some working people cannot attend! I would not recommend this place. They two face backstabbers and con caseworkers! This does not help you. Unless you are willing to do free chores or work at very low income. In order to stay this shelter!

Second Harvest of Silicon Valley is one of our preferred charities. Lets face it, there were people…read morealready hurting before COVID hit and now that's all the more exacerbated. When it comes to food security or a lack thereof, you need a charity that literally helps put food on peoples table. They provide food for those that would otherwise have to do without. They also take fruits and vegetables (You must call ahead and set it up) along with the more typical donations. In addition you can also volunteer to help sort and setup. They have a website to help direct you. However, it is very popular and sometimes days are already filled up. As with all charities they need our help. How can you help? 1) Food donations. Every bit helps 2) Volunteer to help out 3) Cash is king. Consider a cash donation so they can pay for operations and buy essential items that they don't get donated. I mean how many cans of pumpkin filling can you make someone eat right?

Second Harvest of Silicon Valley is truly one of the most impactful and well‑run organizations in…read moreour community. Every interaction I've had with them whether donating, volunteering, or simply learning more about their programs has left me inspired and grateful that such a dedicated team is working to fight hunger right here at home. What stands out most is their professionalism and compassion. The staff and volunteers treat every client with dignity, and you can feel how deeply they care about making sure families have access to healthy, nutritious food. Their operations are incredibly organized, and the scale at which they serve the community is nothing short of impressive. I also appreciate how transparent they are about where donations go and how efficiently they use their resources. It's rare to see an organization combine heart, innovation, and operational excellence so seamlessly. If you're considering supporting a local nonprofit, volunteering your time, or looking for a meaningful way to give back, Second Harvest of Silicon Valley is an outstanding choice. They are making a real difference every single day.

A positive venue of social services that has helped many…read more residents of the tenderloin community for many years Also we (advocates of the ADA/elderly )have observed an increase of accomodation and compassion that run neck and neck with a tasty and diverse breakfast that's served daily.And last but not least, we mustn't forget all the hard work that's put in by Walt and his laundrycrew. Most appeciatively; Michael Bess and compassion.

Best place to donate men's clothing and know they're going where needed most. The donation process…read moreis a little complicated in that the street is actually closed to traffic. Someone at the head of the block will move the barrier and let you pass. Then you drive up to the building and if necessary someone will roll out a giant cart (like the kind you see laundry in a a big hotel) to help unload your car. Then you can feel like you did a good thing!