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The Need

Providence of San Francisco

Empowering and Supporting Our Community

At Providence, we believe that where there is a need, Providence must be present. Our name signifies the protective care of our community, and we are dedicated to extending our services to the most vulnerable populations in and beyond the city and county of San Francisco. We strive to work together, whether through direct services or partnerships, to ensure the success of everyone within our community.

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Homelessness in San Francisco:
  • Over 8,000 individuals are experiencing homelessness in San Francisco.
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Economic Hardship:
  • Nearly 20% of San Francisco residents live below the poverty line.
  • The SF Bay has a high rate of economic hardship, with nearly half of the population being low income Area or very low income.
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Mental Health:
  • Approximately 1 in 5 adults in San Francisco experience mental health challenges each year.
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Disaster Preparedness:
  • Ensuring the safety and resilience of vulnerable populations during emergencies is crucial for community well-being.
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Educational Disparities:
  • National educational data shows disparities in access to quality education, particularly in underserved communities.
  • The unemployment rate in the San Francisco metro area is 5.3%, highlighting the need for job training and education programs.
Education is such a powerful weapon
Importance of STEAM Education:
  • STEAM education fosters innovation and prepares students for careers in high-demand fields such as technology, engineering, and healthcare.
  • Integrating the 3 Rs with STEAM helps students develop a well-rounded skill set that is essential for success in the modern world.

Our Response

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A top view of homeless beggar man with belongings outdoors in city.
Providing Comprehensive Care for the Unhoused

For more than two decades, Providence has operated a diverse network of homeless shelters, serving racially and ethnically varied communities. Our shelters provide a safe and supportive environment for those experiencing homelessness, helping them regain stability and work towards self-sufficiency.

However, our commitment extends far beyond simply providing shelter. Providence offers Protective Care, a holistic approach designed to address the myriad needs of unhoused individuals and families, including children. Our services encompass:

  • Medical Care: Ensuring that individuals receive necessary medical attention and ongoing health support.
  • Mental Health Support: Providing counseling and therapy to address emotional and psychological needs.
  • Job Training Programs: Offering vocational training and employment assistance to help individuals acquire skills and secure stable jobs.
  • Educational Opportunities: Facilitating access to educational programs that enhance learning and development.
  • Family Reconnection: Assisting individuals in re-establishing connections with their families and reintegrating into their communities.
  • Childcare and Education: Creating safe and nurturing environments for children, with access to educational resources and activities.
  • Financial Literacy: Teaching financial management skills to empower individuals towards economic independence.
  • Stable Housing Assistance: Helping individuals and families find and secure stable housing to ensure long-term stability and self-sufficiency.

Providence’s work has a profound impact on the lives of those we serve. Many individuals and families have successfully transitioned from homelessness to stable housing, achieved self-sufficiency, and reconnected with their loved ones. Our comprehensive care model not only addresses immediate needs but also lays the foundation for long-term success and well-being through portable services.

Safety Net Services

Comprehensive Support for Vulnerable San Franciscans
Our Safety Net Services program,  is designed to stabilize individuals and families facing economic hardship. We offer a range of essential services to help those in crisis, including:

  • Food Assistance: Combating hunger and improving nutrition.
  • Emergency Shelter: Providing safe spaces for those without stable housing.
  • Community Counseling: Offering emotional and mental health support.
  • Comprehensive Case Management: Connecting clients with resources like job training, housing searches, and financial literacy guidance.

Enhancing Safety and Resilience In partnership with the San Francisco Foundation, Providence has developed comprehensive disaster preparedness procedures to enhance the safety and resilience of community-based human service providers. Our key initiatives include:

  • Creating building safety protocols.
  • Distributing preparedness supplies, including first aid kits, emergency food, and water provisions.
  • Implementing detailed checklists for shelter-in-place situations, covering evacuation plans, communication strategies, and support systems for individuals with special needs or mobility challenges.

A central element of this initiative is ensuring that community members have a reliable location where they can seek refuge and assistance during emergencies. Providence Baptist Church has been designated as a hub for the Bayview Hunters Point community, offering a secure space where residents can access information, resources, and temporary shelter when disaster strikes.

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Anxious black woman having counseling session with therapist at clinic, receiving professional help
Multi ethnic family and their domestic life in daytime
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Comprehensive Programs

Educational and Training Opportunities:

Youth Services

  • Learning Bootcamps: Focusing on reading, writing, arithmetic, and STEAM components to cultivate essential skills and inspire a love for learning. These bootcamps are designed to bridge the educational gaps and prepare students for future job markets that demand strong STEAM skills.
  • Engaging Youth Summer Day Camps: Offering a safe and educational environment for young minds
  • Food Insecurity: Many children suffer from food insecurity when school is out, as they miss out on the regular, nutritious meals provided during school hours. Our learning bootcamps and engaging youth summer day camps aim to alleviate these concerns by ensuring that children have access to meals during these programs.


Parent Support: Additionally, these camps provide a safe and educational environment, helping families who face daycare challenges. Parents can continue working without the burden of choosing between their job and providing for their family. It also prevents mischief from kids being left alone, ensuring they are cared for and engaged in constructive activities.

Housing Services:

  • Shelter for Unhoused Families and Individuals: Providing safe and supportive housing.
  • Dignified Housing and Case Management for Low-Income and formerly Unhoused Seniors: Ensuring a stable and respectful living environment.
  • Formerly Unhoused Individuals and Families: Provide case management and housing services to San Franciscans who were formerly unhoused to help them secure housing and, through case management, maintain their housing.


Community Support Services:

  • Small Business Grants and Technical Assistance:
  • Assist minority-owned small businesses in starting, sustaining, growing, and scaling.
  • Foster economic diversity and empowerment within underrepresented communities.
  • Help bridge financial gaps and create sustainable growth opportunities.
  • Community Grants:
  • Awarded to individuals and community groups for projects that aim to enhance the overall community and have a broad impact.
  • Support initiatives that address local needs, promote social cohesion, and drive positive change.
  • Empower communities to develop innovative solutions and improve the quality of life for all residents.

A Call to Action

Join us in our mission to provide protective care and support to those who need it most. Together, we can overcome the challenges before us and create a brighter, more equitable future for all.

Contact Providence