Episode 1: Lorum Ipsum

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Event Images courtesy of Sloan Larsen Event Photography www.sloanelarsen.com all other images courtesy of our panelists and their organizations

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"Our philosophy is simple: without rest, there is no healing. We open our doors so that people can have a safe space to rest, restoring a basic dignity often lost on the streets.”-

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Sammie Rayner-Co-Chief Executive Officer, Community Forward SF

Sammie brings years of experience as an entrepreneur and leader focused on bringing innovation, human-centered design, and compassion to care for the most vulnerable individuals. Before joining Community Forward SF, Sammie co-founded and served as Chief Operating Officer at HandUp, a fundraising platform for human service nonprofits that scaled across the United States. Sammie’s initial passion for designing programs to alleviate poverty started in West Africa, where she co-founded and served as Executive Director for Lumana, a microfinance organization in Ghana. She frequently speaks at social good events such as TEDx and the National Nonprofit Technology conference. Sammie earned a bachelor’s degree in business entrepreneurship from the University of Washington. When not at work, Sammie spends time with her son, Rayner, loves being outdoors, teaching or practicing yoga, and bringing her community together around food. 

Erica Kisch - Chief Executive Officer,Compass Family Services

Erica Kisch celebrated her 30-years anniversary with Compass and has served as Chief Executive Officer for the past twenty-two years. Before coming to Compass, Ms. Kisch worked with teenage boys in residential treatment and then went on to found the Homeless Children’s Network in 1992, which continues to provide clinical services and advocacy to San Francisco’s homeless children and their families. Ms. Kisch holds a Master of Social Welfare degree from the University of California at Berkeley and has been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker since 1993.

Lydia Bransten-Executive Director, The Gubbio Project

Lydia Bransten has been a dedicated advocate for the homeless community in San Francisco for many years. As the Executive Director of The Gubbio Project, she has played a crucial role in providing a safe and welcoming space for unhoused individuals to rest during the day. Under Lydia's leadership, The Gubbio Project has become a beloved institution in the city, known for its compassionate approach to supporting some of the most vulnerable populations. Lydia has been vocal about the challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness, emphasizing the need for stability and dignity in their lives. Lydia envisions a future where the most vulnerable populations in San Francisco receive the stability and dignity they deserve. She believes that people experiencing homelessness are often an afterthought in society and aims to change that by providing a safe and welcoming environment at The Gubbio Project

Community Forward SF

Community Forward SF established in 1978, supports individuals experiencing homelessness. It offers diverse programs for women, older adults, and those with severe medical and mental health needs. Focused on stability and thriving, it connects vulnerable individuals to essential services across its network of programs. At Community Forward, we believe in the power of paths— paths that lead out of homelessness toward safety, health, and self-sufficiency. Support Community' Forward's Pathway Forward end of year campaign. 

Our network of programs is designed to work in tandem to meet clients at every stage of their need, with a special focus on three core populations: cis and transgender women, older adults, and those with severe medical or mental health needs. Our mission is to help vulnerable individuals of SF get off the street, find comprehensive services, and achieve stability so they may thrive. Find out more about about our programs: Women’s services, Medical and Behavioral Health, and Supportive Housing. Please donate to support our work and we’d appreciate your Volunteering to support our community. And meet one of program participants Eva and find out more about her Story.

Compass Family Services

At Compass Family Services, we’re passionate about helping homeless and at-risk families become stably housed, emotionally and physically healthy, and economically self-sufficient. Compass was founded in 1914 as Travelers’ Aid San Francisco to provide assistance to the 18.5 million newcomers who visited the city of San Francisco for the 1915 World’s Fair. Since then, our history has followed the trajectory of San Francisco's history, serving the most vulnerable populations during the Great Depression, World War II, immigrants and refugees from Asia in the 1950's, and homeless youth during and after the Summer of Love. Today, while helping families secure long-term housing, Compass Family Services provides the most comprehensive range of support services designed specifically for those in distress. Get Involved through volunteering, fundraising and hosting a drive. Give back through our various giving programs.

Families for Families: This event is our annual touchpoint for families in the community who want to volunteer to help the families we serve. The community comes together to make lasagna, apple crips, blankets and other crafts for families, while learning about family homelessness.

Adopt-a-Family: Every year, Compass matches hundreds of families with individuals and groups from the community. These community members shop to fulfill the wishlists of our clients, ensuring they have a magical holiday season. You can find more information on the event and register on their website.

The Gubbio Project

History - Founded in 2004, The Gubbio Project provides a safe haven for those experiencing homelessness in San Francisco's Tenderloin. Inspired by the story of St. Francis and the wolf of Gubbio, the project fosters understanding and connection between housed and unhoused neighbors.

Originally a program of St. Boniface Neighborhood Center, The Gubbio Project became an independent non-profit in 2007. By offering respite and resources, they help build a stronger community where everyone feels valued and supported.

SANCTUARY AND SACRED SLEEP¬ Lack of sleep is one of the most critical health issues for the homeless. An average of 100 unhoused neighbors seek safety and rest on the pews in the sanctuary of St. John's the Evangelist in the Mission. No questions are asked when our guests walk into the churches; in an effort to remove all barriers to entry, there are no sign-in sheets or intake forms. No one is ever turned away; all are welcomed, respected and treated with dignity. The spaces are all ADA accessible.

SANCTUARY SUPPORT SERVICES - The Gubbio Project has offered the following services to all guests at St John’s the Evangelist for the last 5 years.

• Blankets: Gubbio gives out approximately 150 blankets per month.

• Socks: On average, 100 pairs of socks per week are distributed.

• Hygiene Kits: include shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and soap. 

• Gubbio gives out an average of 75 hygiene kits, 75 razors, and 50 toothbrushes each week.

• Referrals to Outside Services and Resources: 

• All of Gubbio's Hospitality Leaders are responsible for referring Gubbio guests to outside agencies and resources.

Get Involved through donations, volunteering and donating needed items to support the community members that we serve through our wishlist.

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