
Tenderloin Self Help Center
The
Tenderloin Self Help Center is unique in that it is the only multi-service
drop-in center for both men and women in the Tenderloin. Accessed right off
the street, the Center is a point-of- entry for more than half of the agency's
participants because it fulfills immediate and survival needs, subsequently
linking individuals to longer-term services. Spanning most of the first floor
of our central building at 290 Turk Street, the Center is made up of a main
lounge with sofas and chairs, an office with phone and voicemail access, a
small kitchen, and men’s and women's restrooms. More than 10,000 people
use the services of the Tenderloin Self Help Center each year.
Drop-in Services
The Self Help Center drop-in is a place where people can safely tend to their
primary needs– escaping the cold, resting free of traffic, noise, or
harassment, or just using the restroom. Beyond that, it is a meeting ground
where homeless people can socialize comfortably, re-discovering the human
experience that is often suppressed during daily survival on the streets.
Groceries are distributed weekly to homeless people and residents of the Tenderloin
district.
Drop-in Hours: Monday through Friday 7 am - 7 pm
Grocery Distribution: Wednesdays at 2:30 pm
Case Management and Support Groups
New! Women's Support Group - Beginning January 31, 2013
The Self Help Center is staffed by seven counselors and case
managers, most of whom are homeless or formerly homeless. This team provides
individualized counseling and care planning for those who are in need of longer-term
services. This includes assistance with processes necessary to secure benefits,
such as General Assistance, Social Security Income, State Disability and Veteran's
Benefits; emergency, transitional, and permanent housing; substance use counseling
and access to treatment programs.
Each year, more than 500 homeless and very low-income people access the Self
Help Center's peer-based support groups, providing them an avenue for stability
and connection to the community. Importantly, these groups facilitate transitions
to employment and/or permanent housing. These weekly support groups apply
a harm reduction approach that allows people to access services during periods
of active substance use.
Participants are asked to sign in using social security digits upon each entry.
Through this intake process, it has been determined that the Center is used
for the following services:
290 Turk Street
San Francisco
CA 94102
415 749 2100
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