Amplify Community Voice
Using Participatory Action Research, our Community Liaisons gather essential feedback from people experiencing homelessness in San Francisco. We share this feedback with the City and County of San Francisco to improve the homeless response system and ensure that the voices of those affected by policy decisions, including the potential criminalization of homelessness, are heard.
Our Program
Restorative Community Solutions (RCS), in partnership with Talent Poole Consulting, is dedicated to empowering those who have experienced homelessness by amplifying their voices and sharing power with the community. Over the past three years, our Community Liaisons in San Francisco have gathered crucial feedback from people experiencing homelessness to improve the systems that affect their lives. We engage the community as trusted messengers, utilizing Motivational Interviewing to meet people where they are, listening deeply, and relaying their experiences to those in power.
City Impact
Our surveys, focus groups, and interviews informed San Francisco’s 5-year strategic plan on homelessness. We highlighted the struggles of individuals at the intersection of homelessness and incarceration, sharing our findings with key stakeholders such as the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing (HSH), the Sheriff's Department, and the Mayor’s office.
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We are committed to continuing this work, sharing resources and tips with those trying to exit homelessness, and speaking truth to those in power in San Francisco.
Research Insights
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Shelter and SRO Programs: Overhaul needed to provide tailored services for mental health, addiction, domestic violence, and family support.
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Transparency and Communication: Clear communication about available services and eligibility is essential.
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Access and Efficiency: Reduce waiting times for shelter access, especially for families.
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Family Unity: Stop separating families, including pets, during shelter placements.
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Ongoing Support: Increase the frequency of check-ins for individuals in crisis.
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Employment of Lived Experience: Prioritize hiring and compensating individuals with lived experience of homelessness and incarceration.
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Overcoming Obstacles​
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​To address the challenges of budget cuts, policy changes, tokenism, and conflicts of interest, RCS has:
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Launched a community fundraising campaign, raising over $13,000 to support our Community Liaisons.
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Advocated for independent funding to maintain the integrity of our work.
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Expanded our outreach to include educational training and power-building initiatives for formerly incarcerated individuals.
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Make a donation
Support our mission and make an impact on homelessness. All donations are tax deductible; RCS is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Frequency
One time
Amount
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