Resource of the Week

 

Central City Hospitality House

http://www.hospitalityhouse.org/index.htm

"Central City Hospitality House has served the homeless community in San Francisco's Tenderloin district since 1967. Through their unique combination of peer-led programs and advocacy efforts, many homeless and low-income people have been empowered to unite their voices to stimulate social change.

The Hospitality House programs include: the Tenderloin Self-Help Center, Sixth Street Self-Help Center, the Community Arts Program, the Community Building Program, and the Shelter Program. Combined, these programs use a holistic approach to enhancing the economic, mental, physical, and social health of the homeless community. This is done through a wide spectrum of services that include housing and benefits advocacy, harm reduction-based substance use counseling, emergency shelter, money management support, creative expression, and job creation."

Resource of the Week

San Francisco Food Bank -- Emergency Food Box Program
http://www.sffoodbank.org/programs/get_food.html

In these tough times, we can all use some extra help. As the DPN, we know that everyone faces barriers they must overcome sometimes before making the step towards employment and today we look at our most important basic need: food. The San Francisco Food Bank has a crucial, but little-utilized program called the Emergency Food Box program. This program allows people in emergency food situations to obtain assistance in the form of a food box with a three-day supply for food. They also receive along with referrals for long-term food needs. The boxes are an emergency supply and individuals can receive it once in any one year span. Sounds good, right?

To request an emergency food box for a customer, contact their social worker if they have one. If not, call 2-1-1 to find out the nearest pick-up location. Evictions, cut of stolen benefits, unemployment, sudden illnesses, domestic violence, or release from prison are all emergency situations that your job-seekers may be facing. This type of resource can be a huge relief in a time of challenging circumstances and help address basic needs so that they can move towards employment.

Resource of the Week

Quick and Easy Guide to SSI and SSDI
This free booklet answers common questions about SSI/SSDI benefits, definitions of disability, how to apply, how to appeal, amount determinations, and In Home Support Services. Published in 2007, it is available in English, Spanish and Chinese from the Independent Living Resource Center San Francisco (ILRCSF). ILRCSF runs Latino and Chinese outreach programs, workshops, support programs, and special services for individuals with hearing loss.

With budget constraints ILRCSF is not currently able to provide free printed copies of their publications, so we have posted this Quick and Easy Guide to SSI and SSDI, along with several other ILRCSF pubs, on the DPN's new Disability Resources Guide (launching this week). Contact the DPN to access the database and sign up for an orientation session.

To preview this publication in English, click here.

Resource of the Week

One Stops often need to help participants find local services, shelters, clinics or counseling. Making these referrals requires an up-to-date directory. This week's RESOURCE includes three good choices you can use.

San Francisco Community Services Directory
http://sflib1.sfpl.org:83/search
A comprehensive listing of community organizations and the services they provide to people in San Francisco. Search for local resources by keyword, subject, or neighborhood. Maintained by the SF Public Library. All info is updated at least once per year. Also available in Spanish.

San Francisco Homeless Resource Wiki
http://sfhomeless.wikia.com/wiki/San_Francisco_Homeless_Resource
This site provides online access to the Homeless Advocacy Project (HAP) Resource Manual, commonly referred to as SF's "resource Bible." It includes a near-complete list of shelters, food programs, health clinics and other resources for homeless, low-income and disabled residents. Start searching by clicking: "Categories Displayed By Subject." The online manual is jointly managed by HAP, Revival Ministry, Local Parks Council and the Local Homeless Coordinating Board. Users can submit their own edits and additions.

California 2-1-1
http://www.211bayarea.org/search.php
2-1-1 is an easy to remember telephone number connecting people with important community services, including transportation, emergency and healthcare options for people with disabilities. 2-1-1 phone service is free, confidential and available in over 150 languages. You can also search the database online. Maintained by the United Way.