After volunteering for the morning shift of Project Homeless Connect on February 11, 2009 I was taken back by both the turnout of those in need, as well as the wide range of services offered. At the end of my shift I had mixed feelings about the event. There were many things I liked. I thought it was well organized and had a lot of crucial services that would be hard to obtain for the homeless population otherwise. Additionally, it was obvious that this was not only appreciated by the local community, but supported by as well through volunteer hours and donations. I think if we had to choose, it would be better to have Project Homeless Connect every two months, than to have a clinic with regular hours. I think this because with so many services available in one spot, there is a better chance that this will get the homeless all the services they need, versus just one service attended to at the clinic. Lastly, I believe that this event helps to alleviate homelessness, rather than reinforce it. I think many of the clients saw this as a chance to get parts of their lives together and get moving on the right track. However, there are also some things I thought could be improved upon. While I was working the check-in area I noticed that the two most demanded services were dental and vision work. But, these two services were the first ones that were overbooked and became unavailable. I think time and money could be better spent expanding those two services. Additionally, I don’t think that this type of healthcare would work for the whole community. First, I don’t think there would b enough consistent volunteers or donations to support the event for everyone who lived in the city. Secondly, I think that there would be a big demand for specialists that could not be supplied. I believe that this is a crucial event for the homeless population of San Francisco and that as it continues things will progressively improve and become more efficient.
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I brought 60 students from the University of San Francisco School of Nursing and was really impressed by the infectious enthusiasm. The formerly homeless who work with Project Homeless Connect are really incredible individuals who inspire with their cheerful hard work.
I have been volunteering at the food bank, handing out food to the clients to take with them when they leave.I always find this experience very rewarding.It's a great way to do something for others in our fine city of San Francisco!
SF Homeless Connect gives a face to homelessness for the wider socially concerned community. Every SF Connect Volunteer I've ever spoken with has felt like they had a satisfying experience and felt like they understood homelessness just a little bit better. This is valuable. Every SF Homeless Connect client that I spoke with (as a case manager at a residential hotel) was pleased that they got free stuff. Some received services that they perhaps wouldn't otherwise have accessed. They also usually experienced a pleasant day interacting with friendly people, when often times they're treated terribly. These are decent outcomes. This event perhaps allows service providers to access a wider range of clients (though it's not like they weren't getting any business before SF Connect started). The value of this is debatable. My main concern regarding this event is that, while giving volunteers the impression that they are having an incredible impact on homelessness, this event actually does little to lessen chronic homelessness (a very complicated issue that simply cannot begin to be solved in events that happen every two months). I like SF Homeless Connect, and I think it should stay- it indeed has a wonderful and unique quality of bringing the city together. But it's not going to be effective if volunteer involvement stops with SF Connect. Those involved with SF Homeless Connect need to assess how they can mobilize the incredible public support they have to create far more lasting change in their clients lives. There is a lot happening in the city that could use the support of the SF Homeless Connect volunteer base and would create more sustainable change on homelessness.
the show of people gathered together in a harmony of selflessness, talents, motivations, and trust is a reason to go to PHC. the ability to see the assistance in overwellming numbers ease the mind what we can accomplish together.
I thought it was great. The volunteer coordinator placed me quickly and I was busy throughout. The people who were coming for services seemed pleased, and I connected with people I normally don't connect with. It felt like a lot of love was being shared
This is a great event that is highly beneficial for so many homeless people. All the services are very useful and in great demand.
I worked on a medical project to help homeless with lice problems. We were able to identify about 8 people with infestations. They received advice on how to get rid of them as well as treatment onsite under the direction of a physician. It was extremely worthwhile. I will be back. I was impressed with the other volunteers I saw through the day. .
I had an absolutely fabulous time! Loved it - highlight was meeting a man who was a voice recognition engineer who was incredibly bright. I gathered he had a tough break somewhere along the line. We sat and talked for about 20 minutes about politics. I found out he was an Army vet and loves the city. Thanks so much!
it was a great experience...people were friendly, helping people was fun,i like putting a smile on people faces and knowing that i helped people out i hope i can do something like this more often
with 22% of hunters point homeless, you will need to have this twice a month for 6 months before you see an impact
Everything was good today. I'd like to see this more. The best part was meeting all the new people. I've been living here a long time and it is nice to see fresh people. This is like that thing that happens once a year that is good.
Got some food. All the volunteers were helpful. Signed up for services. Favorite part was being escorted by the young ladies. What would have been more helpful? I wanted more information on housing opportunities.
Everybody was very helpful. Lunch was excellent. The services provided were good and people were friendly. I enjoyed myself. I didn't need it as much as others but had a lot of fun.
I wouldn't change anything. Getting an ID was the best part. Everything you could possible need is here. Lots of nice people.
Very very good celebration today. I thank you for lunch. Good doctors appointment. I am from Russia and appreciate these events in the US.
Too windy here. Too long of a wait to get a haircut. An hour! I made some great connections. AA had a booth. The medical help was really outstanding. They sent up an appointment for me for next tue. Right online. and they set me up with a primary doctor. I haven't had one for five years. -Carl Parkes
Best: The coming together of everybody. I don't think you could make it any better. So far it is beautiful.
These are always a 5. But they should start offering canvas bags instead of paper for groceries. They need to start offering housing help as well. Maybe convert a warehouse or hotel. Other than that, it is wonderful. Everyone is really great. This location was good. But when this event was inside it went smoother in the past. -Robert Williams
They set it up pretty good. All the needs that I had were met. like: mental health, substance abuse, SSI. Nothing much to improve. All my appointments are set up for this week.
