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From left, Mark Ryle, Heidi Lamar, Ingrid Mezquita, Cheryl Horney, Dr. Yohana Quiroz, Al Gilbert, and Erica Kisch. Photo Courtesy of Felton Institute. Last week, more than 135 educators, providers, policymakers, community members, and families gathered at the Asian Art Museum to address the question: What does it take to build an early childhood system that actually works for families? Compass Family Services, Felton Institute, and Wu Yee Children’s Services came together to launch a new report examining how San Francisco supports children ages 0–5 with developmental needs, and where that support is falling short, especially for children from low-income families. Speakers included Mayor Daniel Lurie, Department of Early Childhood Director Ingrid Mezquita, and leaders from the three author organizations. Together, they shared insights into paths to building an inclusive system where every child, especially children with disabilities, can fully participate and thrive. The report, developed collaboratively by Compass, Felton, and Wu Yee, draws on insights from more than 400 educators and providers across the city. It tells a consistent story: families are still navigating a system that is difficult to access, difficult to understand, and too often, difficult to trust. Even more importantly, children who need and are entitled to services, aren’t getting them. Children who most need early support, particularly those from multilingual, immigrant, and low-income communities, are the most likely to encounter barriers. Those barriers are not abstract. They show up in very real ways: Delays caused by disconnected systems Providers stretched thin without adequate training or resources Families facing logistical hurdles just to access services A lack of clear, transparent data to guide decisions Taken together, these challenges create a system where support exists but doesn’t always reach the children and families it’s designed for. Attendees heard from a family with lived experience of the gaps in the system. Karla Ramos, a parent served by Felton Institute, shared her story navigating early intervention services for her child. What should have been a supported transition from one system to another upon her child’s third birthday became a source of tremendous stress, uncertainty, and isolation that derailed services for her child and stability for her family. Her experience underscored something speakers had been naming all morning: when systems are fragmented, families carry the burden of stitching them together. And for families already balancing work, caregiving, and the realities of raising a child with additional needs, that burden can be overwhelming. Report authors Dr. Yohana Quiroz, Cheryl Horney, and Heidi Lamar shared a vision: A system that is coordinated, accessible, and equitable. A system where families don’t have to navigate multiple disconnected pathways to get support. A system where early care providers are equipped and supported to meet the needs of every child. The report outlines clear steps to move in that direction—from better care coordination and more sustainable funding models to stronger data systems that ensure accountability and visibility. None of these solutions are out of reach, but they require alignment. If there was one takeaway from the morning, it was this: the foundation is already here. City leaders, educators, nonprofit providers, funders, and families are all engaged in this work. The challenge, and the opportunity, is bringing those pieces into closer coordination. When systems align, families don’t have to fight for access. Support arrives earlier. Transitions are smoother. And children have a stronger foundation to learn, grow, and thrive. At Compass Family Services, we are proud to be part of this effort and committed to continuing the work alongside our partners to build an early childhood system that truly works for every family in San Francisco. Learn more about the report, and the launch event: Read the Executive Summary Read the Full Report   KQED story on the report launch   Mayor’s Instagram Reel about the event Join the authors at Manny’s on April 7th:  Join us for a mediated conversation highlighting systemic gaps in funding, care coordination, training and data transparency that disproportionately impact young children with disabilities, particularly those from multilingual, immigrant, and low-income communities.  Learn more and get tickets here.

Earlier this month, Compass Family Services gathered with community members at Manny’s to discuss a question:  What becomes possible when public systems and private partners work together to address family homelessness?   Speakers Erica Kisch, CEO of Compass, and Shireen McSpadden, Executive Director of San Francisco’s Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing (HSH), discussed the scale of family homelessness in San Francisco and how innovative solutions to the crisis emerge when government, philanthropy, and providers align.  The Scale of Family Homelessness in SF   Erica opened the evening’s discussion by reflecting on how dramatically the landscape has changed over the past three decades. Back in the mid-1990s, the family shelter wait list fit on a whiteboard. Families could move from shelter to housing within a few weeks.  Today, Erica said, “The need is tremendous. It now takes four or five minimum wage jobs to afford a two-bedroom apartment in San Francisco.” The family shelter waitlist recently reached around 400 families, meaning more than a thousand parents, children, babies, and pregnant people were waiting for a safe place to stay.  At Compass alone, more than 500 families are housed each night across shelter, transitional housing, rapid rehousing, and permanent supportive housing. The organization served more than 11,000 parents and children last fiscal year and is on track to exceed 12,000 this year. Most of these families are surviving in conditions other San Francisco residents never see: sleeping in cars, garages, overcrowded rooms, and temporary arrangements that strain both parents and children.  Director McSpadden grounded the conversation in system-wide data. In fiscal year 2024-2025 alone, more than 6,700 families with children were served by San Francisco’s homelessness response system. Families accounted for about 13% of households experiencing homelessness that year, and the number of families seeking services continues to rise.  Family homelessness is an issue of poverty,” Shireen said, “and San Francisco’s a very expensive place to live.”  The Innovation Gap   Both speakers named the same tension: families need flexible, timely support, but traditional funding streams are often constrained. Erica noted that HSH is Compass’ largest and most essential partner. Public funding provides the foundation for shelter, housing programs, eviction prevention, and mental health services. But she also noted that government funding is not always as flexible as needed.  When families are facing immediate barriers — medical debt, income loss, eligibility cutoffs, or other unexpected setbacks — those constraints can mean the difference between stability and crisis.  That gap is where innovation becomes critical.  The Importance of Public-Private Partnerships   McSpadden emphasized that innovation often requires philanthropic partnership:  “For things that are really innovative and new, it’s really helpful to have philanthropic partners or donors who can come in and say, ‘let’s try something out and see if this works.’”  Government provides scale and structure. Philanthropy provides agility. Providers bring direct knowledge of what families are experiencing in real time. Erica put it simply:  “We couldn’t do the work we do without our government partners, and there’s so much more we can do when we layer on these more creative, innovative and flexible approaches, doing things that government can’t do.”  This is not about replacing public systems. It’s about strengthening them: testing new approaches, evaluating results, and scaling what works.  Compass’ Innovative Solutions   Erica outlined four initiatives that reflect this partnership model in action.  Guaranteed Basic Income (GBI) targets a vulnerable transition point for families when they exit time-limited rental subsidies. Through a randomized control trial, participating families receive $1,000 per month for one year. The initiative is funded by Google, evaluated by NYU and the Turner Center, and implemented by Compass and Hamilton Families. While long-term data is still forthcoming, early indicators are promising.  The Family Stability Fund fills gaps traditional systems cannot. Supported by a single donor, the Fund has distributed more than $2 million to remove barriers to stability by covering unique, one-time needs like tuition, medical bills, workforce training, and other critical expenses. Eighty-five percent of participating families report increased stability. As Erica described it, the Fund allows Compass to respond quickly and holistically when families face destabilizing challenges.  Compass Housing Location Services (CHLS) provides housing support to those who aren’t being served by the homelessness response system. It was created to support families who would otherwise be falling through the cracks including those not eligible for services through Coordinated Entry or not well served by Coordinated Entry, but experiencing or on the brink of homelessness. Through hands-on housing search support, Compass Housing Locators work directly with families to identify units, engage landlords, and move families into housing. Compass also provides financial counseling for these families, and is in the process of adding shallow subsidies to aid families on the path to stability.  The Family Homelessness Prevention Pilot , launched with support from Tipping Point Community and in partnership with four sister organizations, adapts the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) model to reach families early and with more flexibility. Over the past year, Compass served 27% more families through this approach, with 242 families supported across partner agencies.     Across all four initiatives, the philosophy remains consistent. “We are committed to Housing Fist, but not housing only,” Erica said. “A family needs more than a lease and a key.”  Looking Ahead   The conversation at Manny’s underscored both the scale of the challenge and the promise of partnership.   Public funding provides the backbone of the homelessness response system. Philanthropic investment provides the flexibility to test, refine, and strengthen that system. Providers bring direct insight into what families actually need to stabilize.  When those pieces work together, innovation becomes possible, and families move more quickly from crisis to lasting stability.

Roberto turned 1 this August and was able to celebrate his birthday in his new home with his family. He received a cake from Cakes 4 Kids inspired by Roberto's love of carne asada. Compass teams work hard every day to support families, but we also know we can’t do it alone. We partner with other organizations that share our commitment to uplifting the community as a whole. Together, we help ensure that families feel seen, valued, and like they truly belong.   So what exactly does Cake4Kids do? The organization began when founder Libby Gruender watched a video about a young girl in foster care who received a chocolate birthday cake for the very first time. Overwhelmed with joy, the girl ran upstairs crying, simply because no one had ever celebrated her birthday with a cake before. That moment inspired Libby to start Cake4Kids in 2010 with only 13 volunteers. Today, the organization has thousands of volunteers nationwide.  Our partnership began in late 2022, when a Compass case worker was supporting a family whose child’s birthday was approaching. The family couldn’t afford a cake, and the case worker wanted to help make the day special. She reached out to a former colleague, who connected her with Cake4Kids, and that’s when the magic began.  Cake4Kids encouraged her to register Compass as a partner agency, and by December 2022, we were officially part of the Cake4Kids network. Since then, staff receive monthly reminders about this wonderful partnership and how it can brighten a child’s special day—and brighten days it has.  Cake4Kids has collaborated with several Compass programs, and the impact is remarkable. At our Grove Street and Clara House locations alone, more than 350 families  have received cakes. Across The Margot, Compass Children’s Center, and Compass Family Shelter, volunteers have delivered 328 cakes  since our partnership began.  Many families have benefited from Cake4Kids through Compass, and we are deeply grateful. Every child deserves to celebrate their birthday, and having a cake, something so simple yet so meaningful, helps make that possible. In a city as expensive as San Francisco, providing even basic necessities can be challenging. But thanks to generous partners like Cake4Kids, parents can worry a little less and enjoy the happiness on their child’s face when they see a cake made just for them.

COMPASS FAMILY SERVICES THANK YOU FOR BEING A PART OF THE MAGIC! On April 23rd, 2026 the Compass community gathered at the Hibernia to celebrate the tireless work of Compass staff and families. THANK YOU for making a difference in the lives of thousands of San Francisco parents and children! You can still participate in the magic - donate to this year's event! DONATE See the magic of Compass for yourself... THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! $50,000 JPMorgan Chase Qatalyst Partners $25,000 Steffany and Rob Chisholm Mazda San Francisco Visa $10,000 Allied World Assurance Company Amazon JoAnn and Jack Bertges Merritt Richmond and Fred Chung SkinSpirit Tree Line Capital Partners Zendesk $5,000 Carolyn and Andrew Chatham Carolyn and Chris Colpitts Dana Corvin and Harris Weinberg Steven Dinkelspiel Melinda Ellis Evers and Will Evers Kimberly and Jonathan Garfinkel Valerie and Tim Houts Kaiser Permanente KPMG Okta for Good Anne and Michael Parish Jennifer Schaeffer and John Cummings Janice and Geoff Sears Linsey Thornton Waymo Nicole and Ken Whiting $2,500 Acrisure AR Events Sapna Boze Crankstart Foundation Jennifer DaSilva Katie and Nicolas Giometti HeidiSays Jeanne Hormuth Kathleen and Chris Jackson Debbie Koski and Bianca Kaprielian Mariposas & El Dorado Restaurants Lauren Thornhill

Compass Family Services helps homeless families and those at imminent risk to achieve housing stability, economic self-sufficiency, and well-being. 1/6 Last year, we helped over 10,000 parents and children find their way home. GET HELP Asset 41homepage 1/7 1/5 OUR MISSION We help homeless families and those at imminent risk to achieve housing stability, economic self-sufficiency, and well-being. How We Work A BIG EMBRACE We wrap our arms around families, offering housing and a full range of other resources needed to build long-term stability. UNDIVIDED ATTENTION Our team works with families one-on-one, providing unique and individualized support for parents and children. ALWAYS LEARNING Compass is committed to creating a tangible impact. Like the families we serve, we set goals and make measurable change. 11,110 parents and children received services last year 92% of families achieve housing stability after completing our programs 48% are children under 18 years old IMPACT GET INVOLVED Compass helps thousands of families facing homelessness each year. But we can’t do it without you. DONATE What's Happening at Compass READ MORE → San Francisco Leaders Gather to Strengthen Early Childhood Support Systems From left, Mark Ryle, Heidi Lamar, Ingrid Mezquita, Cheryl Horney, Dr. Yohana Quiroz, Al Gilbert, and Erica Kisch. Photo Courtesy of Felton Institute. Last week, more than 135 educators, providers, policymakers, community members, and families gathered at the Asian Art Museum to address the question: What does it take to build an early childhood system that actually works for families? Compass Family Services, Felton Institute, and Wu Yee Children’s Services came together to Claudia Taylor Mar 27 3 min read Key Takeaways from the Innovative Responses to Family Homelessness Panel Earlier this month, Compass Family Services gathered with community members at Manny’s to discuss a question: What becomes possible when public systems and private partners work together to address family homelessness? Speakers Erica Kisch, CEO of Compass, and Shireen McSpadden, Executive Director of San Francisco’s Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing (HSH), discussed the scale of family homelessness in San Francisco and how innovative solutions to the crisis Claudia Taylor Feb 24 4 min read The Sweet Progression of Cake4Kids and Compass Family Services Roberto turned 1 this August and was able to celebrate his birthday in his new home with his family. He received a cake from Cakes 4 Kids inspired by Roberto's love of carne asada. Compass teams work hard every day to support families, but we also know we can’t do it alone. We partner with other organizations that share our commitment to uplifting the community as a whole. Together, we help ensure that families feel seen, valued, and like they truly belong. So what exactly Ricardo Leiba Nov 19, 2025 2 min read Compass Brings the Halloween Fun to Civic Center This week, children from all over the Tenderloin came to Civic Center to delight in a day of games, treats, entertainment, and lots of pumpkins at the Compass Family Services Halloween Pumpkin Patch for Tenderloin Children! This first ever event was put on with the support of over a dozen organizations that came together to make the day special for often underserved Tenderloin families. The Tenderloin, frequently associated with crime or drug use, is in fact home to the large Claudia Taylor Oct 30, 2025 2 min read 1 2 3 4 5

GET HELP Need Help? Is your family experiencing a crisis or facing the risk of homelessness? We are here for you. Choose from the following options: DROP-IN SERVICES HOURS FAQ I am experiencing homelessness button I need help with something else button I need childcare button I am at risk of homelessness or need back rent assistance. button DROP-IN SERVICES 1 Families can visit 37 Grove Street Family Services Hub during open hours for drop-in services. We offer the following: Mail pick-up for families using Compass as a mailing address Referrals to programs and services inside and outside Compass Assessment for shelter and housing Other basic needs items are provided as available 2 For basic needs like those listed below, families enrolled in Compass services can visit our distribution center at 1240 Market Street , near our 37 Grove Street location, during open hours on Wednesdays and Thursdays. *Groceries *Diapers, wipes, and formula *Toiletries and other hygiene supplies HOURS Monday: 9am - 12pm, 1pm - 5pm Tuesday: 9am - 12pm, 3pm - 5pm (closed every fourth Tuesday of the month) Wednesday: 9am - 12pm, 1pm - 5pm Thursday: 9am - 12pm, 1pm - 5pm Friday: 9am - 12pm, 1pm - 5pm Saturday: CLOSED Sunday: CLOSED *Basic needs items will only be accessible during these hours. Wednesday: 9:30am - 11:30am, 1pm - 4pm ASSITANCE AFTER-HOURS If you need assistance after hours, please dial: 311 to reach the City and County of San Francisco for general questions 1-800-273-6222 for the Bay Area help hotline 1-877-384-3578 if you are a woman experiencing domestic violence OVERDOSE PREVENTION RESOURCES San Francisco continues to respond to a deadly overdose epidemic disproportionately impacting communities of color and the Tenderloin and SoMa neighborhoods we call home. Compass strongly supports overdose prevention programs grounded in harm reduction, and we remain committed to the principles of Housing First. We encourage our families and the people they care about to access life-saving supplies, mental and behavioral health support, and treatment services. Please visit SF.gov for more information about overdose prevention resources in our community. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Can Compass Family Services help me if I do not live in San Francisco? Compass serves families experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness in San Francisco. If you’re not in San Francisco, please dial 211 to find services in your area or contact your local chapter of the United Way. Who do I call if my family is living on the street, in a car, or with friends, or if we do not have a place to sleep tonight? Please come in person to the Central City Access Point located at 37 Grove Street during open hours. A counselor will help you access the best resources to help your family find stability. You can also call (415) 644-0504 and follow the instructions to leave a message or email us at info@compass-sf.org. If you need assistance after hours, please dial 311 or 1-800-273-6222 for general questions or 1-877-384-3578 if you are a woman experiencing domestic violence. Who do I call if my family might get evicted because I am behind on my rent or because of a past-due utility bill? Please contact C-Rent through one of two ways: Call us at 415-644-0504, leave a message with your name and contact information, and a counselor will contact you to determine if you are eligible for rental assistance. Click here to apply for rental assistance and choose Compass as your preferred provider. Please note that you must be a San Francisco resident and have custody of a minor child in order to qualify for assistance. If you are an existing Compass client currently living outside San Francisco, contact your case manager or primary support person at Compass to secure a referral to C-Rent. How can I get my family into your shelter? Please come in person to the Central City Access Point located at 37 Grove Street during open hours. This site is a connecting point for the SF Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing’s Coordinated Entry Program and Homelessness Response System. Families who qualify are placed into Compass Family Shelter through the Coordinated Entry Program when space is available. Who do I call if I want to take a parenting class or need support with the everyday stress of raising a family? Compass Family Resource Center offers CPS-certified parenting classes, support groups, family activities, basic needs support, and a full range of additional resources through a referral network. To participate or for a full calendar of our groups and classes, visit our drop-in center located at 37 Grove Street.