Heart of Gold 2018- HYA Project

HOMELESS YOUTH ALLIANCE SAN FRANCISCO                 
 

MISSION:
OUR MISSION IS TO MEET HOMELESS YOUTH WHERE THEY ARE AT, AND TO HELP THEM BUILD HEALTHIER LIVES. WE BELIEVE REDUCING HARM IS POSSIBLE THROUGH THE PROVISION OF ACCESSIBLE, NON-JUDGEMENTAL DROP-IN SERVICES. WE STRIVE TO EMPOWER HOMELESS YOUTH TO PROTECT THEMSELVES, EDUCATE EACH OTHER, REDUCE HARM WITHIN THE COMMUNITY AND TRANSITION OFF THE STREETS.

 
Homeless Youth Alliance (HYA) provides a sanctuary for homeless youth, ages 13-29, who find themselves in Haight Ashbury and Golden Gate Park. Most homeless youth service providers in San Francisco rely on strict series of rules and top-down imposed goals for their clients. While these goals have helped many homeless youth transition off the street, there are still many who are unable to fit the rigid set of rules enforced by case workers.

For a minimum of three hours each day, 3 members of HYA's outreach team walk along Haight Street and into neighboring parks, distributing snacks, safer sex supplies, and hygiene kits. Counselors also distribute educational material on healthier lifestyle choices and behaviors. In total, counselors are able to make over 12,000 contacts per year via street outreach.

On December 2013, after 12 years in the same location HYA lost their lease. As they have been unable to secure a new space THEY ARE WORKING ENTIRELY ON THE STREETS. HYA’s drop-in center was a refuge from the pressures of street culture and was at the core of their services. For many youth, it was the only place they could relax, eat, gather, watch tv, get their mail, and use email and phone without being stigmatized, judged, or threatened by violence and instability on the streets.

Once they make contact during outreach, HYA outreach counselors are able to meet participants for one-on-one counseling sessions on the street or in a local restaurant or café. Staff often aid youth in obtaining a legal ID, General Assistance and government benefits, shelter and transitional housing, placement in a substance abuse treatment program, and in re-establishing contact with family and friends.


The Heart of Gold 2018 Project is reaching out to HYA to help the homeless youth of San Francisco, California.

By being loving, committed, and powerful, we hope to raise $35K or more for the San Francisco Homeless Youth Alliance by September 13th, 2018. Our Commitment is to raise $35,000. We will do this through grassroots efforts via social media and other outreach campaigns. Please keep in mind any donation will help! The gift of $150 provides case management for one person.

Don't miss this opportunity to have a Heart of Gold !!!