My initial reaction to this group was nothing sort of amazing. They provided me with essential items I needed when I was living in near third world poverty. They have a plethora of items and services they offer and were for the most part friendly. Things started going sour once I asked for assistance with housing. The cost of living in San Francisco is astronomically expensive that is no secret and allegedly there are outreach groups that can lighten the burden at least temporarily in The City albeit I have yet to find one. Fact of the matter is if you're not in very specific social circles housing assistance is firmly off limits for San Francisco citizens I have come to find out. After being told politely there was nothing that can be done about placement in long term sustainable housing the conversation for me ended. Towards the end of last year I did attempt to get back in contact with the general inquiry form via the website asking for a voucher for a haircut (which they offer). This was after attempting to catch one of the satellite sites they allegedly have set up around the city on various days and no one being at the location during the timeframe they specified. No worries come to the actual brick and mortar location and we can get you a voucher right away. Once there I did receive the voucher but I also asked for a sleeping bag (again another item they allegedly offer) since the place I was staying at the time was so cold I swore I saw a few penguins running around one night. The woman literally laughed in my face and said I couldn't have one. Huge red flag that I ignored but I politely thanked her and left. The voucher itself is only valid at certain locations for the hair cut so I went to the salon and tried to introduce myself to the woman there. The woman proceeded to pointedly ignore me and project a very dismissive attitude towards me. Nothing was said I simply walked out and have not returned since. Overall this place is now NOT a great place to go if you're of African decent. Period point blank if you want something good done do it yourself. "Free does not mean good" and it really rings true for here. I am not sure if its the moral high ground of knowing that the people you're assisting are obviously at a much lower point then you are which in turn makes the workers feel as if they're above you. However save yourself the shame and disappointment and simply avoid. Its not worth it if you're already in a shaky place in your life to have this weighing on your conscience. As you can see from my other reviews I have not had the most pleasant experiences lately in The Bay Area...However! I write these reviews based on my experience so that others will benefit from the experiences that I have. But always do your own research! read more

Very organized!! I wish everyone knew how easy it is to volunteer a few hours of your time. This was my 4 time. They give you different jobs every time and it's so easy to just help. The Homeless need help on other days besides Christmas and Thanksgiving. When you see the children and adorable dogs.... you will not only feel humbled and grateful you will feel good about helping. It's so easy and it goes by fast. I'll be back for as long as I live in SF. read more

Project Homeless Connect - Community Service/Non-Profit Near Me - San Francisco, California

This past week I volunteered for Project Homeless Connect. I'd actually never heard of it until the night before when a friend who was volunteering told me about it, but I am relatively new to SF and am not well versed in programs like this one. I really had no idea what to expect when I got there, but I was truly amazed at the operation I witnessed as the day progressed. There were hundreds of volunteers ranging from nurses, doctors, dentists, and others who came with agencies to many everyday citizens just looking to lend a helping hand (I know because I did volunteer check-in for the first 2 hours and worked through what seemed to be an endless line of people there to help). In the main auditorium people could get all kinds of services, including dental work, see a doctor, family services, employment services, and a ton of other things to help out those who need a little extra care. I personally worked with the food bank which was the last stop as participants came through the process. Here they lined up, were given a bag, and walked down an assembly line of food and drink to collect a grocery bag full of items to help them get by for a few days. This is a great effort by the city of San Francisco to help out the literally thousands of homeless people in this city. I encourage everyone to check out the website (http://projecthomelessconnect.com/HomePage/index.php/home.html) to find out about upcoming events (they have them about every two months or so, next is April 8, 2009) and volunteer! read more

Connecting with the homeless on a respectful yet determined level without pressuring them into programs or service, simply offering and guiding and allowing them to take what they need, from a meal to wheelchair repair to a shower or counseling, the Project Homeless Connect staff and volunteers are making a difference in the lives of some of the neediest and least likely to help themselves people around. Once a month volunteers reach out into the heart of SFO and offer assistance to any who will accept. Volunteers are always needed! http://www.projecthomelessconnect.com/join.html "Project Homeless Connect strives to be a partnership between San Francisco City Government, the Department of Public Health, the Human Services Agency, the business and non-profit sectors, and individual community volunteers." read more

I like the idea here. Really, I do. If the Gav can mobilize his electorate to help the less fortunate, more power to him. If just one more public company has a Day of Service as the result of this new intiative, I applaud him. HOWEVER-if the launch party on August 1, 2006 was any indication, I don't have much hope. The invitation, which I RSVP'd to, said 5-7:30. By the time I had to leave at 6:30(ironically enough, to volunteer through Hands On) Supervisor Bevan Duffy was waxing poetic about his childhood. It was just the sort of political grandstanding I had feared. I had the misfortune of sitting next to the speakers during the Glide Chorus-while very talented, someone at Bill Graham had failed to do a sound check before it started, as everyone seated around me had their hands over their ears. All of this I could have overlooked, except that I asked for assistance before I left in signing up to spend August 10 doing data entry for Project Homeless Connect. The people manning the desk did not have any sort of form so that I could sign up, and simply told me to show up at 8, because the program with Gavin kicked off at 9. This level of disorganization does not encourage me. I cannot sign up to volunteer on the website. Is this group just counting on 400 volunteers showing up the day of? I will report back following my day of service next week. best of luck, Project Connect. read more

Each time I work one of these events, it brings me greater satisfaction. My sense of involvement in the community is growing, and my previous stereotypes of homeless people are breaking down. When you work a PHC event, you aren't repeating the same old interaction where people on the street are asking you for money. I've had wonderful interactions with many, and those interactions are reshaping my ideas about homelessness and fueling a deeper interest in related issues. The set schedule and great organization of the website and team leads makes the experience very smooth. I can schedule my time several months ahead, and can work just 1/2 day. Its close to BART and MUNI at Civic Center, so is easy to access. read more

Very worthy endeavor. I volunteered at the event back in June. It initially seemed a little bit chaotic, but gradually all the volunteers got caught up in the event and pretty much figured what needed to be done. The city does a great job in offering many services that are critical for surviving on the streets of SF. Most of the people I met were very happy to be there and grateful for what was offered. I think my most negative moment came when I went to the head of the bag lunch line to get a bag lunch for a disabled client (wheelchair and blind). The volunteer who was giving out the bags chewed me out for 'jumping" the line. Well, duh....we were told that disabled clients didn't have to wait, and since I was getting the lunch for the disabled client...well, you do the math. Other than dealing with that fellow who had his panties in a twist, the whole thing was a great day. Definitely recommended. read more

I volunteered for their event today and I thought it was well organized from my viewpoint. Communication via email before, plus good instructions upon arrival. Other volunteers were very friendly and the people coming for services seemed appreciative. Unfortunately some of the most popular services ran out (?) and shut down early. Dental, DMV for IDs, podiatry, prescription glasses for example. That seems to be poor planning on someones behalf. read more

If you are looking for a blast experience in volunteering, this is THE place. I have been a volunteer for PHC from 2004, then-Mayor Gavin Newsom and the San Francisco Department of Public Health created Project Homeless Connect (PHC) as a way to bring necessary services to people experiencing homelessness in San Francisco. PHC uses a unique approach to service delivery to meet the needs of homeless San Franciscans and those that arrive in SF, or just people in need (not always homeless). In one day at a Project Homeless Connect event, a person experiencing homelessness can find services that would otherwise take months to secure. During each event, corporations, nonprofits, and government agencies provide participants with services through PHC. These services include the finest and the most reliable dental care, eyeglasses, HIV testing, housing information, food, hygiene products, medical care, mental health services, SSI benefits, legal advice, California identification cards, voice mail accounts, employment counseling/job placement, wheelchair repair, addiction services, and more. In 2012 PHC launched Every Day Connect, our daily in-office program. Every Day Connect is a program within PHC that builds on the success of our large-scale service events. Every Day Connect works to connect people experiencing homelessness with social and medical services and resource on a daily basis. In response to the changing needs of the homeless and low-income population, PHC continues to expand our resources and events. Recently we have launched Family Connect, LGBTQ Connect, Shelter Connect and neighborhood based vision events. If you are new in town, looking for a cause to place your wisdom and skills, I welcome you to join us at PHC. read more

Yesterday, October 24, 2012 I experienced the joy working along side an array of doctors, nurses, dental staff and a variety of organizations to help kick off San Francisco's Project Homeless Connect 46. Even though I have been volunteering for Project Homeless Connect (PHC) for years this particular event stood ahead of those previous to. There was a sense of enthusiasm that I had not experienced too much in previous events. Perhaps it was the fact that I usually volunteer in the afternoons and not as early as 7:30 in the morning. Anyhow the morning shift proved to be quite an interesting alternative. I was able to experience the 46th event from the beginning to it's ending. Project Homeless Connect was iniated by Gavin Newsom in 2004 to help end chronic homelessness. I must say that Gavin Newsom, former mayor of San Francisco, brainstormed a brilliant idea, for hundreds turned out to partake in this occurrence. There was a multitude of volunteers that offered their services to the even larger crowd of individuals. Bill Ghrahm's Auditorium was the site where plenty of homeless individuals turned out to receive help in getting their lives back on track. Services offered were legal counseling, employment, substance abuse treatment, food bank, which offer bags of food to the homeless. The DMV was there as well as SSI, Social Services, Homeward Bound, who provided a way home for those who wanted to return to their homes in other cities and states. Veterans Affairs was there to support their veterans that had fallen on hard times. Seniors Services for those 55 and over, there was even services for members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans gender, and queer community. This event left no one out in the cold longing for service of one kind or another, the lists of services goes on, I would be writing this review forever. lol Through out my life my dear mother Louise Harvey has always thought my sibling and I to respect and communicate with people on all walks of life, no matter high and no matter how low. We were raised to help if we can and not look down on those less fortunate than we were. Volunteering for PHC over the years has given me such an honor to know that I was a part in helping to provide my services, although minimal as compared to the professional to those in need. I was actually excited, grateful and honored to be a part of PHC's 46th. As I said my prayers last night, I asked GOD to spread his mighty wings and protect the homeless, guide them, help feed them, keep them warm and above all bless them for somehow along the course of their live they became lost. So listen up everyone, if you ever have some extra time on your hands, and want to make a difference in the life of the homeless, please consider working along side us in making a difference in someones life. It's worth the time and effort. We never know where our future lies, by some strange twist of faith this could be us looking for free services to get our own lives back into alignment. Hope to see some of our Yelpers at the next upcoming event December 12, 2012. read more

To Whom It May Concern, Today I volunteered at PHC in the Cafe. This is my 3rd event, 2 previously at Bill Graham and 1 at Bay View I've worked Escort once and Check-in twice. Today was my first Cafe experience. I was scheduled to work until 4pm but left when 2nd shift arrived due to disorganization and greedy volunteers. First of all, it's called Project Homeless not Project Volunteer. I arrived in the Cafe and was greeted by Kurt, Team Lead, who gave us all the overview of how things are to run and where we'd be helping out. Kurt did a great job. I was assigned behind the tables of boxed lunches to re-stock. I really enjoyed that assignment and my fellow volunteers. Meanwhile, there was a side table set up for Volunteers to get free lunches. WHAT? WHY? Do not give Volunteers free meals, most and I mean most, do have jobs and can afford food. I on the other hand am unemployed and have been for 14 months. BUT I NEVER expect a meal when I volunteer. We're there to feed those less fortunate then ourselves. With that said, for the first two hours the volunteer table was giving out meals. Then they were told by Kurt that volunteer meals would stop and they were only to get oranges or bananas. So, we working the distribution table, told Volunteers asking for meals they were no longer to receive the boxed lunches. Most were cool with that but quite a few were very upset and rude. One in particular named Derrick. He came into the area and proceeded to grab meals. That is when he was told 'meals for volunteers were no longer being handed out'. He began to get angry and made the statement 'I AM WITH THE MAYOR'S OFFICE WE'VE BEEN WORKING SINCE 6 AM WITHOUT FOOD'. We tried to tell him our instructions were to no longer to distribute meals. He grabbed meals anyway and walked out stating loudly he was with the Mayor's office. He proceeded to come back two more times and again very rude and yelling. We told Kurt about this each time and he went to find him. I do not know what transpired between them. THEN...Amy comes to the table telling us that Volunteers were now to receive meals again and gave us her order of 21 meals for her group. We gave them to her because she works directly with the Project and figured Volunteer meals had been reinstated. Then a few moments later, we told Kurt she came down and said to start them again. He had no idea. So we told the volunteers in our area, who had not gotten a meal, that they should come get a meal now that they were allowed again. THEN...another woman (blond, forgot what her name tag said) came in to ask us what's going on? She was told Volunteers get meals all day but her people were coming back telling her that we said 'no'. And yes we did, during the time we were told there were no more to be handed out, we did tell them no more. We were all only going by the instructions we were given each time. She treated us like children and acted like we did wrong. We did not. We did only what we were told by our leads. Isn't that how it works? With all this said, I found the people who work directly with PHC and the Mayor's office to be rude and greedy. Again, the food is for the homeless. In my experience of volunteering for Glide, SF Food Bank, and many small Church Pantries the volunteers do not get meals. The only time they have been given food/meals is AFTER all of the less fortunate have been given their food or meals. Suggestions: 1. Don't give FREE food to Volunteers (they can bring theirs or eat when they get home) 2. If you are going to give Volunteers food/meals then make it at a set time of distribution and after that, NO MORE. And announce this at the Rally prior so that us Volunteers doing our job aren't mistreated and abused verbally. I personally am ashamed and appalled at the behavior of our City Employees and Volunteers during today's event. I think I will stick to doing more local smaller volunteering where those that help know who they are there to help. Peace Diana..A Proud Volunteer! read more

PHC volunteers and staff are caring and polite, they really work for their clients and it's great to know this City has this resource in such a localized area. This is exactly what the homeless of San Francisco needs more of, a listening ear in a non-judgemental environment. read more

I made a PowerPoint with Richard Nelson to set up a web page so that I can get donations of some clothes when I went to my appointment on Tuesday and it was my turn to go and talk to Victor he informed me that I was not on the list and that he didn't know what he could do for me I went off like a bullet coming out of a shotgun are used a lot of 40 letter words and I cut them out did he decided that he's going to be able to take me in do what I had to do not thinking that I was pissed off and I probably didn't want to go back in there he then got out of his chair walked around the table and he came out to talk to me and I just kept on calling him names and everything and now it's Wednesday and I have been trying to call Project homeless connect all day long starting from 9 a.m. and they still have not called me back and it is now 8:54 p.m. so is Project homeless connect there to help us or is it there just to get funding so that they can make themselves rich what do you think I think that they're there just to get their pockets full of cash read more

Sonya Lister used to work there and she had illegally picked up and opened my mail without my permission. When I called to talk to a supervisor to make a complaint, they just laughed at me and told me it was their property and said they paid for it. Excuse me? No, I paid for my item that came in my mail for me. They then hung up on me. Sonya also made appointments with me which she didn't keep for nearly a month and when I finally confronted her about not being there, she said she was out working on the streets. However, in an email to me earlier she had apologized for her many absences and stated she had a personal family matter to attend to hence her absences due to not being able to come in to work. Also, Sonya rubbed her breasts on my chest when she grabbed me and pulled me in for a hug.... gross. I did not want her touching me at all but she went in anyway. No respect whatsoever. Even demanded with a pout where her "gift" to me went ($5 set of gloves and hat which I gave away to a homeless man on the street) when she saw I wasn't wearing them. read more