About us
Providence of San Francisco was founded by the Providence Baptist Church, inspired by the vision of Pastor Calvin Jones Jr. As he walked the streets of the Bayview Hunters Point Community, he saw the urgent need to help our community, our children, and the homeless. He declared, “We can and we must do more.” Thus, Providence was born again as a foundation to provide protective care for our communities.
Our founding is a testament to organizing grassroots and proactive solutions to the needs of our community, rather than waiting for others to act. We are what we have been looking for.
Providence offers a range of supportive services for children, families, seniors, and the homeless in Bayview Hunters Point. While youth services remain a key focus, we prioritize the needs of very low-income seniors, including minority, frail, and disabled elderly individuals.
In line with this commitment, Providence launched the Senior Housing Project in 2006, now completed and ready to provide safe, affordable housing for low-income seniors, ensuring they receive the care and support they deserve.
Providence has a long history of grassroots efforts to uplift our community. We have been instrumental in the development of the Franciscan Hotel and Bayview Hills Garden and have worked tirelessly to provide emergency shelter beds. Our work is born out of a deep commitment to our community, driven by the heart and vision of our founders.
Our grassroots initiatives demonstrate our proactive approach to addressing the needs of our community. We don’t wait for others to act; we take the lead in providing solutions. Providence is the embodiment of what we have been looking for—a beacon of hope and support for the Bayview Hunters Point community.
Our Mission
Our mission is to improve the quality of life in low-income communities and empower individuals to become self-reliant. We achieve this by providing comprehensive community-based programs, services, education, and training.
Our Vision
Our History
The Unwavering Legacy of The Providence Foundation: A Testament to Our Mission
Empowering Communities and Crafting Solutions for Humanity
In the annals of history, the Providence Foundation stands as an enduring beacon of hope and resilience. For over 27 years, our organization has been intricately woven into the fabric of the Bayview Hunters Point community, tirelessly working to uplift and empower its residents. Our mission is clear: to provide protective care and essential support services, ensuring that every individual and family can thrive.
The Providence Foundation was founded by the Providence Baptist Church of San Francisco and is deeply rooted in the Bayview Hunters Point (BVHP) community. Established as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in 1997, PFSF is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in low-income communities. Through a comprehensive, community-based approach, it empowers individuals towards self-reliance by providing a broad spectrum of programs, services, education, and training. This mission reflects the rich cultural diversity and competence within the communities it serves.
Although the foundation has officially operated for 27 years, the efforts of Providence began with the founding of the Providence Baptist Church of San Francisco in 1953, addressing the needs of the community for over 80 years. For more than two decades, Providence has maintained a significant presence in its community and operated a consortium of emergency shelters since 2000 for homeless men, women, and families.
The Providence Foundation of San Francisco (PFSF) stands as a pillar of unwavering support and empowerment for our community. Our extensive offerings span from educational and training opportunities to essential housing, food, and welfare services for children, families, and senior citizens. Our current programs include providing shelter for unhoused families and individuals, comprehensive managed care, dignified housing for low-income seniors, and an engaging youth summer day camp. Additionally, Providence delivers crucial support through generous food donations, impactful community grants, and scholarships, ensuring that our beneficiaries receive the vital resources needed to overcome community challenges with resilience and hope.
At its core, Providence embodies a steadfast commitment to addressing the needs of our community, demonstrating an unwavering concern for community issues through our ability to adapt and respond to changing needs. Through our comprehensive array of services, Providence continues to be a beacon of hope and support, empowering generations and fostering a brighter future for all we serve.
Our Learning Bootcamps, emphasizing the three R’s (reading, writing, and arithmetic) along with STEAM components, are the educational cornerstones focusing on the youth in our community. These bootcamps are designed to cultivate essential skills and inspire a love for learning, laying a strong foundation for the future of the young minds we serve.
We call upon our supporters, partners, and community members to join us in this noble endeavor. Together, we can overcome the challenges before us and create a brighter, more equitable future for all.
“Today, We Stand”
A Legacy of Commitment
Born out of compassion and a steadfast dedication to service, the Providence Foundation was established in 1997 as the philanthropic arm of the Providence Baptist Church of San Francisco. Our roots run deep in the Bayview Hunters Point community, where we have consistently addressed the pressing needs of our neighbors. For nearly three decades, we have championed the cause of the homeless, offering emergency shelters, sleeping facilities, and comprehensive support programs.
Empowering the Vulnerable
At the heart of our work lies a deep-seated belief in the power of compassion and humanity. For over 28 years, we have dedicated ourselves to uplifting the most vulnerable members of our community – the least, the lost, and the lonely. Our protective care extends to these individuals and their families, providing them with the necessary resources and support to gain self-sufficiency and rebuild their lives.
Our innovative empowerment programs serve as a beacon of hope, offering stability and guidance to those who need it most. We strive to ensure that no one is left behind and that every individual has the opportunity to become a productive citizen in our community. This commitment to care and support has been our legacy and will continue to shape our future as we work tirelessly to create a brighter, more inclusive world for all.
Responding to Evolving Needs
Our organization has always been dedicated to responding to the changing needs of our communities, city, and surrounding areas. We understand that flexibility and adaptability are crucial for providing effective support and services. By continuously evolving, we ensure that we are not only meeting current demands but also anticipating future challenges.
Our commitment to learning and continuous improvement is the cornerstone of our success. We actively seek feedback, engage in regular training, and embrace innovative practices. This drive for excellence allows us to lead the way in assisting and empowering members of our community. By fostering a culture of growth and development within our organization, we remain at the forefront of service delivery and community support.
Through collaboration with independent auditors, our community and other stakeholders including city officials, we ensure that our services align with the ever-changing needs of the community. This proactive approach enables us to address issues promptly and effectively, making us a trusted leader in the field.
Expanding Our Reach
While our roots are firmly planted in the Bayview Hunters Point community, our vision transcends geographic boundaries. We recognize the pressing needs of communities around us and are committed to providing solutions for all humanity. Providence stands ready to take on the challenges we face, extending our protective care and support to those in need, wherever they may be.
A Call to Action
The work of the Providence Foundation is far from complete. As we look to the future, we are inspired by the strength and resilience of the communities we serve. We call upon our supporters, partners, and community members to join us in this noble endeavor. Together, we can overcome the challenges before us and create a brighter, more equitable future for all.