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At Compass Family Services, we believe that listening to the families we serve is essential to providing responsive, effective, and equitable services. Last month, we shared how our Family Advisory Committee  (FAC) has been driving change across Compass—offering firsthand recommendations that led to improvements in communication, service navigation, and housing access.  That same commitment to family voice continues through our annual client survey . Every year, we invite all Compass clients to share their experiences and ideas for improvement—and then we take action.  In February 2025 , 366 clients responded to our agency-wide satisfaction survey, sharing valuable feedback that is now guiding updates across our programs.  What We Heard   Families shared many strengths:  78%  are highly likely to recommend Compass to friends or family.  91%  agree that Compass respects their cultural background and identity.  87%  say they feel welcome at Compass.  Families also pointed out areas for improvement—many of which echo what we’ve heard through the Family Advisory Committee:  Faster response times and clearer communication from staff  More detailed information about program expectations  Additional housing support, including for families who don’t qualify for housing programs through the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing  More transparency around food distribution (such as expiration dates)  How We’re Responding: Compass Commitments   Based on what families shared, we’re taking the following steps:  Food Distribution:  We will include Food Bank expiration guidelines in every food bag, and we’re working to offer more healthy options and larger quantities for big families.  Communication:  New phone lines will make it easier for families to text and call staff.  Housing Support:  We’ve expanded housing workshops and now offer 1:1 support for all  Compass families—even those not enrolled in a housing program.  Program Clarity:  We’re developing written materials to explain what families can expect when they participate in Compass programs, from start to finish.  Workforce Development Support: Compass is offering a new workforce development series through our C-Work program. These improvements directly reflect what families told us—and build on the momentum started by the FAC.  Coordinated Entry: Making a Complex System More Navigable   Families also shared feedback about Coordinated Entry , San Francisco’s system for connecting families with housing and shelter. In response, our Central City Access Point (CCAP)  team is working with the city to make key improvements:  We’re working with the city to develop  clear, written explanations  about how Coordinated Entry works and how to stay active on housing waitlists.  We’re asking the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing to notify us in advance of any changes, so we can keep families informed.  We’ll train other community organizations to better support families through the Coordinated Entry process.  We’ll  review and confirm all family information  before it’s added to the One System database to prevent errors.  These efforts reflect our ongoing commitment to reducing confusion and increasing transparency for the families navigating this often complex system.  A Culture of Listening   From our Family Advisory Committee to our annual client survey, one thing is clear: families are leading the way.  We’re deeply grateful to every parent and caregiver who shared their voice through this year’s survey. Your feedback is already shaping stronger, more responsive services—and helping Compass grow into an organization that listens deeply and acts boldly.  Stay tuned as we continue to implement changes and report back on our progress. This is just one more step in building a more family-centered Compass, together.

When we launched the Family Advisory Committee in 2024, our goal was simple but ambitious: to bring the voices of our clients into the heart of our decision-making. The Family Advisory Committee is now in full swing of its second cohort. Committee members are meeting with community leaders and leaders at Compass to share their feedback and make their voices heard on the issues that affect them – and we’re witnessing the impacts of both cohorts across the organization.   The Power of the First Cohort   The first FAC cohort, which wrapped up in June 2024, brought vital insights from families who had navigated Compass’ services. Their feedback turned into action—and change.  Their recommendations led directly to:  Improved front-door experience : We added indoor waiting areas, installed weather canopies outside, and created clear protocols for greeting families and directing them efficiently.   Better service navigation : We’re piloting a new pocket-sized brochure that outlines Compass programs, and training all Compass staff to better explain service eligibility and referrals.   More transparent communication : We launched clearer communication practices between case managers and families—including backup contacts if a staff member is away—and implemented consistent feedback loops so clients know their voices are being heard.   Support around housing access : FAC input sparked the Homelessness and Supportive Housing Department to hire a consultant to look into creating new written guides and virtual options for Coordinated Entry assessments, helping families better understand and engage with the housing process.   These aren’t just checkboxes—we’re seeing real results in client satisfaction and smoother service delivery. And this work is ongoing.    An FAC alum shared that she was experiencing shorter wait times, and the distribution of goods like food and diapers has become more organized.  Another alum said, “I felt heard in respected in seeing the organization make some changes immediately.” She’s noticed less people waiting in line for resources at 37 Grove Street, and she has received more communications about housing resources.  What’s Ahead: The Second Cohort   The 2025 FAC cohort pose after speaking with members of the SF Board of Supervisors for Advocacy Day. The current FAC cohort, which wraps up in June 2025, is already zeroing in on key areas that matter deeply to families. Their draft recommendations include:  Clarity around case management expectations : Families want to better understand what they can expect from their case managers and how to best work together.   Promoting transparency : Requiring name tags for all staff would encourage transparency and help clients identify specific staff members.   Financial counseling for all : Families are asking for greater access to financial education and support—something we’re excited to explore expanding.   These ideas are in progress, and we’re already looking at ways to turn them into action. Stay tuned for a second part to our story, how we’re implementing new feedback and how families are responding across the organization!  A Culture of Listening   The Family Advisory Committee is a movement toward more equitable, responsive, and family-centered services. We’re grateful to the parents and caregivers who have generously shared their time, insights, and experiences. Their leadership is helping Compass become better every day.

It's city budget season, and Compass needs the community's help to advocate for families and ensure they're not left behind as the city plans for 2025 and beyond! Check out the events below for opportunities to share your voice: Our City Our Home Hearing April 24, 9:30 AM City Hall 416 Speak out for homeless families! Join us at the Our City Our Home Committee meeting to demand the city spend unspent Prop C funds that were budgeted specifically to support homeless families this fiscal year. Mother's Day Event May 8, 11 AM Steps of City Hall Join the Coalition on Homelessness at City Hall for a powerful Mother's Day action! Families will speak directly with supervisors to demand more affordable housing and share their stories. Lobbying Day for Homeless Families June 3, 12 PM City Hall Join us for a powerful day of action as families speak directly to City leaders about what they need. Together, we'll advocate for housing, shelter, and support services in the upcoming city budget to ensure homeless families are prioritized, not left behind. Human Rights Commission June 5, 5 PM City Hall 416 Join the Human Rights Commission to learn about solutions to family homelessness and advocate for the needs of homeless families in SF. Public Comment Day June 23, 9 AM City Hall Want the city budget to prioritize homeless families? Join Compass to demand full funding for the services families need - especially in a year when vital support is at risk. For more information, contact Megan Rohrer, Compass' Policy Director, at mrohrer@compass-sf.org !

NEW DISTRIBUTION LOCATION Please be aware that starting the week of Monday, February 17th, distribution of food, diapers, wipes, hygiene items, and facemasks will be relocated. These goods will no longer be available for pickup at 37 Grove Street. Mail and fresh produce will remain at 37 Grove Street. NEW LOCATION: 1240 Market Street Located around the corner from 37 Grove Street NEW DISTRIBUTION OPERATING HOURS Additionally, the new distribution center at 1240 Market Street will only be open for pick-ups during the following windows: Wednesday 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM & 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Thursday 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM & 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE NEW DISTRIBUTION CENTER Families can expect to line up at the door at 1240 Market Street. A staff member will ask you to fill out a slip containing your name and date of birth, as well as what goods you need. Staff will then verify your information and distribute goods. For access to other services, families will need to visit 37 Grove Street around the corner. For questions, contact the Compass Family Resource Center at CFRC@compass-sf.org . OTHER FAMILY RESOURCE CENTERS IN SAN FRANCISCO APA Family Support Services/API Family Resource Network Chinatown, New Immigrants Asian Women's Resource Center - Gum Moon Residents Hall Chinatown Bayview YMCA Family Resource Center Bayview-Hunters Point Edgewood Family Resource Center Bayview-Hunters Point El Centro Bayview Bayview, Latino families Excelsior Family Connections Excelsior FCC Visitacion Valley Visitacion Valley Glide Family Youth and Children's Center Citywide, Tenderloin, Treasure Isl. Good Samaritan Family Resource Center Mission Homeless Prenatal Program Homeless families Instituto Familiar de le Raza Chicano/Latino & Mission Collaboratives Mission Joy Lok Family Resource Center Chinatown Portolo Family Connections Portola Protrero Hill Family Support Center, Urban Services YMCA Portero Hill Richmond Asian Family Support Center Richmond, Sunset Safe Start Initiative Collaborative Children 0-6, exposed to violence South of Market Family Resource Center South of Market, Mission Bay Support for Families of Children with Disabilities Children with special needs Visitacion Valley Strong Families Collaborative Visitacion Valley Wah Mei (Irving Street) Sunset, Outer Parkside Wah Mei (Ortega Street) Sunset, Outer Parkside Western Addition Family Resource Center Western Addition Young Family Resource Center (Felton Institute) Young famili es

When we launched the Black Fatherhood Series at Compass Family Services, we aimed to create a space where Black fathers could gather, learn, and grow. This was more than a program; it was a powerful journey of vulnerability, connection, and growth. To be part of the inaugural group took courage from each participant, and I feel privileged to have witnessed the dedication, openness, and resilience displayed by these fathers. Our Black Fatherhood Series tackled five critical stressors faced by Black men: cultural stressors, health and wellness, family relationships, financial responsibilities, and the ever-present challenge of navigating race and racism. These stressors, often unspoken and underacknowledged, can profoundly affect Black fathers' ability to show up as they aspire to for their children, families, and communities. Through our sessions, we broke down these barriers together, creating a foundation for understanding, healing, and empowerment.   The Vulnerability of Being Seen and Heard One of the most moving aspects of the series was the vulnerability exhibited by the participants. Each father showed a commitment not only to being present but to being real with one another. The room became a safe space for honest conversations, shared challenges, and even moments of self-reflection. It’s not easy to open up, especially for men who carry the weight of cultural expectations and the responsibility of being strong for their families. Yet, these fathers embraced vulnerability, showing that strength also lies in connection and openness. They came together to learn, but they also came together to support one another, creating a sense of brotherhood and solidarity.   Addressing the Five Stressors for Black Men The sessions centered around five major stressors that are especially significant for Black men: Cultural Stressors : For many Black men, cultural expectations about masculinity and fatherhood create stress that is often unspoken. In this session, fathers reflected on how society views them and how to counter those narratives with self-empowerment and pride. Health and Wellness : Physical and mental health are pillars of fatherhood, yet too often, Black men experience barriers in accessing health resources. The fathers discussed practical strategies for managing stress, prioritizing their health, and seeking help when needed. They gained tools to break the stigma surrounding mental health, emphasizing that wellness is not only personal but a commitment to their families. Family Relationships : Healthy family relationships require effort, patience, and communication. In this session, we explored positive father qualities and effective communication within families. Fathers shared techniques for building stronger bonds with their children and fostering respectful relationships with partners or co-parents. Finances and Fatherhood : Financial stress can weigh heavily on fathers who want to provide stability and opportunities for their children. The session on finances empowered fathers with knowledge about saving, investing, and creating generational wealth, tools they can apply not just for today but to secure their families’ futures. Race and Racism : Navigating a society where racial biases persist is a stress that Black fathers know all too well. In our session on race, we confronted how systemic racism affects Black families and shared strategies for preparing their children for the realities they may face. Fathers discussed how to empower their children with pride in their heritage and resilience against adversity. These topics are vital because they address the unique experiences of Black fathers, promoting holistic growth and resilience. By sharing stories and learning together, the group made powerful strides toward building confidence and finding joy in fatherhood. Appreciation for Dr. Khalid White I extend my deepest gratitude to Dr. Khalid White, who served as the series facilitator. Dr. White’s ability to connect with each father, lead with empathy, and foster meaningful conversations created an environment where fathers felt heard, valued, and uplifted. His expertise, insight, and genuine care for Black fatherhood were invaluable to the series' success. Dr. White’s presence was a gift, and his commitment to supporting Black men in their journeys as fathers left a lasting impact.   The Importance of Programs Like the Black Fatherhood Series Statistics reveal the significant and often overlooked involvement of Black fathers in their children's lives. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Black fathers are more likely than other fathers to be actively involved in their children's lives in terms of feeding, bathing, and playing. These statistics highlight the dedication of Black fathers, countering stereotypes and reminding us of their vital role in their families.   Programs like the Black Fatherhood Series are essential in promoting the well-being of Black men. Black fathers face unique challenges that demand unique solutions, and this series provides them with tools, resources, and a supportive community to navigate those challenges. Our society often overlooks the needs of Black fathers, but by offering programs like this, we are taking steps to ensure they have the support they deserve.   Moving Forward with a Monthly Drop-In Group The energy and engagement from this inaugural group have been so inspiring that Compass Family Services will continue supporting Black fathers through a monthly drop-in group. This initiative will provide a space for Black fathers to reconnect, share, and continue their journey of growth and learning. I look forward to seeing the ongoing impact of these gatherings, as they strengthen the bonds of fatherhood and community.   A Commitment to Black Fathers To all the fathers who participated in the Black Fatherhood Series, thank you. Your commitment to growth and willingness to engage in meaningful conversations have laid a strong foundation for future fathers who will benefit from your journey. We are proud of each one of you, and we remain committed to supporting Black fathers in every way we can.   This series was the first, but it won’t be the last. Together, we are reshaping narratives, supporting fatherhood, and creating a legacy for Black families.

Compass supports local ballot measures that align with our values and directly affect the children and families we serve. Check out our endorsements for the November 2024 San Francisco ballot below, and don't forget to vote!

For anyone who spends much time at Compass, you’re likely to encounter an enthusiastic woman loved by clients and staff alike. You might see her in the middle of helping a mother get a snack for her hungry children, catching up with the front desk manager at 37 Grove Street, or dropping off donations she’s collected from friends and family—all with a big smile. This warm, ever-moving presence is Bertie Mandelbaum, Compass’ longest-standing employee. When Bertie started at Compass, it wasn’t actually called Compass. She joined Travelers Aid of San Francisco in the late 1970s under a Nixon-era public service work program called CETA, later repealed by the Reagan administration. At that time, Travelers Aid included a drop-in main office on Mason Street, a childcare center at the YMCA Hotel, and a few kiosks at bus stations and the airport. The organization served vulnerable transient populations—immigrants, runaways, and others in need of resources to help them relocate or return home. Bertie began her journey at the childcare center, a small room at the YMCA hotel offering care to 24 children of all ages. She started as a receptionist, then later became the office manager, and eventually a case manager. Bertie loved meeting the people who walked in from all over the world, hearing their stories, and helping them find resources. As Compass evolved to meet the growing needs of homeless families, Bertie’s role naturally expanded. In the early 1990s, Travelers Aid began noticing a shift in the population they served. More and more families were coming to the doors  in need of help—families who were often homeless and needed more than a bus ticket: they needed a place to stay. In response, Travelers Aid opened its first shelter and began the transition to what we now know as Compass Family Services. Bertie relocated to the shelter, where she found new purpose in supporting families in crisis. She loved the work, connecting deeply with the people she served and helping them navigate the complexities of social services, secure jobs, and meet their unique needs. Bertie formed close bonds with young mothers under 25 years old, many of whom had grown up in foster care. She took great joy in helping them find their path. For many, social work can be draining. It’s challenging to see people struggle and not always know how to help. But for Bertie, she has found peace in her work. She takes time to wind down on her commute and finds joy in her clients' successes. When asked if it is troubling to see her clients struggle, she says, “Yeah, but the other part is the zen of this work. My clients—they have the right to have their ups and downs. I read a book called The Zen of Social Work , and it promotes the idea that everyone has their path. I can’t rescue everybody—maybe I shouldn’t—but instead give them the eyes wide open to make good choices.” Today, Bertie works part-time in Compass’ aftercare program. She supports clients who have been stably housed through Compass, helping them focus on maintaining that stability. Remarkably, Bertie still keeps in touch with clients she worked with 35 years ago. Some of them have found their path, like one client who was inspired by Bertie to get a degree in social work and now works for Homeless Prenatal Services. Others are still struggling, and for those clients, Bertie maintains a list of available services to direct them to. For Bertie, the work of helping others find their way is never truly done. As long as she has help to give and people who want support, she’s there to support them in whatever way she can. Bertie’s decades of service remind us of the power one person can have in shaping a community and offering hope to those in need. As Compass continues to evolve, Bertie’s lasting impact is felt throughout our programs. If you’re ever at Compass, you’re likely to witness that impact firsthand—and perhaps even be inspired to follow in her footsteps, helping others find their way.

This past Friday, Mayor Breed proposed  a citywide ban on overnight parking by RVs. The proposed legislation would make overnight parking on any San Francisco street a towable offense between midnight and 6 AM, but “only if an offer of shelter, housing, and/or services are rejected.” This ban will only exacerbate San Francisco's family homelessness crisis. The 2024 Point-In-Time (PIT) count, released in August, confirms what many of us on the frontlines of the homelessness crisis have long known: family homelessness in San Francisco is astronomically high and continues to rise. Today, 528 families–801 parents and 751 children–languish on the homeless shelter waitlist with no quick path to housing stability. Almost every shelter bed is full, and every subsidy is exhausted.  According to city data, the RV community in San Francisco constitutes about one-third of the unsheltered population , totaling over 1,400 individuals. Unsheltered homeless families are rarely living in tents and often opt for living in vehicles in order to shelter their children: the PIT count revealed that 90% of unsheltered families are living in vehicles. 29% of families currently living in Compass’ shelter programs experienced vehicular homelessness prior to their shelter stay. The majority of the families living in RVs across the city are newly arrived immigrants and non-English speaking, representing an already vulnerable population. Following Mayor Breed’s call for “ very aggressive sweeps ,” these families face harassment, tickets, and towing . While the city claims that it will offer services before towing, the reality of limited resources means that needlessly displacing people living in RVs, who already have existing shelter, will place further strain on nonprofit providers and shelter waitlists. The city has created a zero-sum game: even if the city sets aside shelter beds for people living in RVs, it would only make it harder for the hundreds of people already on the waitlist to get off the waitlist and into shelter. Anecdotally, it is also clear that not every family living in their RVs are offered connection to services before punitive citations and tows. Numerous families have reported falling through the cracks in the city’s outreach efforts, which have been inconsistent and inaccessible to many of them. One mother lived in an RV in the Bayview with her newborn son, who was born with a heart condition and required surgery. After the surgery, the hospital did not want to release the baby until she was housed. Her case was referred to the San Francisco Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing, who sent over outreach workers that offered her shelter. Although she had said yes to the shelter offer, she was never connected; communication dropped off. It was not until the mother was referred to another service provider outside of the city’s purview that she was able to get into housing and be reunited with her baby.  Where efforts were made, they have not been comprehensive. More than 50 families were living in their RVs on Zoo Road in the first week of August. While 13 families have been supported in moving into housing, 37 families have not been supported in finding long-term solutions and now face being towed. While more affordable housing is a clear solution for this crisis, an immediately viable solution is a safe parking site. Three years ago, Mayor Breed and the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing committed to providing safe parking to the families living in their vehicles on Winston Drive; time and again, they have failed to deliver on that promise . While there is one safe parking site in San Francisco for people living in RVs, it is at capacity.  On October 1st at 12 PM, Compass and the End Poverty Tows Coalition will hold a rally followed by public comment at the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency hearing to oppose Mayor Breed’s harmful, short-sighted ban. Join us to stand up for those in our community who rely on their RVs for shelter, work, and transportation. For more information or to join the End Poverty Tows Coalition (community members welcome), contact Compass’ Policy and Organizing Manager, Alisha Zhao, at azhao@compass-sf.org .

San Francisco’s 2024 Point-in-Time (PIT) count recognized a startling 97.6% increase in families experiencing unsheltered homelessness since 2022. This radical change was largely thanks to methodological changes such as the addition of Compass staff texting clients and informing them of the PIT count’s follow-up telephone survey.   Still, a few hundred families missed the opportunity to confirm or deny whether they were experiencing unsheltered homelessness that night because they did not respond to the call,  and some who did respond were hesitant to disclose critical data. Because the PIT count is such a publicly accessible, widely-cited metric of homelessness, an inaccurate count of unsheltered homeless families can have serious consequences. Higher numbers shown by this year’s PIT count pressured policymakers to address the urgency of family homelessness through the Safer Families Plan. Although this growing need has been recognized for years by anecdotal experience of direct service providers and non-PIT count administrative data collected by local family-serving systems, the Plan was only announced a day before preliminary PIT count results were released. So, why does San Francisco struggle to count families accurately for the PIT count? What can be done to address this issue? I had the privilege of partnering with Compass’s policy team on a new white paper that helps to provide some answers. Why are Homeless Families Hidden? Families experiencing homelessness tend to fall into categories of “hidden homelessness” because homeless families are less likely than single adults to be unsheltered or living on the streets [1]. Many low income San Francisco families seek to stay close to their own communities and informal support networks despite rising housing costs, so they may be temporarily housed or doubled-up in studio or one-bedroom apartments with relatives. In addition, raising children away from public spaces reduces exposure to encampment sweeps, unsanitary sidewalks, open-air drug use, and violence [2][3],  For these reasons and others, many families experiencing homelessness are left out of the PIT count because they live in conditions that do not reflect “unsheltered homelessness” by PIT count standards; or, they are meant to be included, but are not easily identified, such as families living in cars or recreational vehicles (RVs).  Furthermore, misinformation and mistrust may keep families from participating in the count. Some families involved in the homeless response system are also involved with the child welfare system. Fear of losing custody of children can make it difficult for families to engage with and trust outreach workers. Families who are homeless, especially Black, Indigenous, and other BIPOC families, may fear engaging with the child welfare system, which historically intervenes at disproportionately high rates in Black and Latinx communities [4]. Similarly, undocumented families may hesitate to engage with outreach workers due to language barriers, fear, trauma, or misinformation about the public charge rule which ended in 2022 [5]. During my internship with the Public Policy and External Affairs team at Compass, I had the opportunity to support the End Poverty Tows Coalition in their advocacy for RV residents displaced by parking restrictions from street paving on Winston Boulevard.   The families, many of whom are newly arrived immigrants, were forced to leave on short notice without guarantee of shelter, a safe parking site, or long-term housing. Many were not offered support from DHSH because they were unable to be present for DHSH’s limited outreach; those who were offered support heard mixed messages about the type of housing subsidy they would receive. By observing the stress that arose from these complicated interactions between the City, service providers, and families, I witnessed firsthand the importance of informed, consistent outreach that prioritizes clear communication in the language and vocabulary of the clients. Those who are overlooked by the PIT count tend to be those who hide away for the safety of their children [6]. Homelessness service providers agree that the number of families they serve has increased in recent years due to an increase in migrant families and families no longer receiving COVID-era benefits. Because BIPOC individuals and newcomers make up a large proportion of San Francisco’s growing population of families experiencing homelessness, service providers and PIT count administrators must acknowledge the needs of individuals with multiple marginalized identities to execute effective outreach. Recommendations for improving unsheltered family engagement in the PIT count: Build trust with families prior to the count by leveraging partnerships with service providers who already have long standing relationships with the people.  Elevate the power of personal networks within tight-knit communities of families living in RVs and cars. Extend the period of education and communication prior to outreach so that case managers can inform their clients, providers can host workshops, families can prepare, and information can be shared within communities. Diversify volunteer teams to feature at least one guide who identifies with each marginalized identity of the target population. Strategically deploy volunteer teams across neighborhoods based on the identities of the target population. Sharing the same language, race, nationality, gender, or age with a volunteer can promote understanding and cooperation amongst those being counted. Other cities have seen success in pairing a surveyor team with an individual who has current or past experience of homelessness [7]. A guide with this experience can provide real-time expertise on where people may reside, show volunteers how to engage in a safe manner, and build credibility for claims of privacy and confidentiality.  Revise outreach to explicitly communicate who has access to data and how it is used for the families’ benefit.  This year, Compass Family Services texted clients about the phone survey and mentioned that the survey was anonymous and confidential. To alleviate the stress of engaging with a hostile system, DHSH administrators may consider emphasizing the confidentiality of the information as it pertains to undocumented families or other marginalized groups. Clarify safe, respectful, and non-invasive instructions that all volunteers and Access Point providers implement consistently. Train volunteers to abide by objective counting metrics where possible to ensure data is gathered consistently across the city and across subgroups of the homeless population. Standardize the language within text and spoken communication across providers.  A Step Towards Ending Family Homelessness The crisis of family homelessness in San Francisco is a complex issue that demands innovative and compassionate solutions informed by the lived experiences of families themselves. While the recent increase in reported family homelessness due to improved methodology is a step towards acknowledging the problem, the true scale of the crisis is still hidden from the public eye. To improve upon this year’s methodological changes for future PIT counts, DHSH and policymakers must design equity into the counting processes and deepen partnerships with service providers and members of the community. By making changes such as investing in trust-building communication, diversifying outreach teams, and emphasizing data privacy, we can begin to dismantle the barriers that prevent families from being seen. But the PIT count is just one tool to push San Francisco towards the changes it must make to end family homelessness. It is time to move beyond merely counting the homeless and towards creating a city where all families have the opportunity to thrive. Increased investment in social services for families can be demonstrated through the City’s administration of subsidies from the Safer Families Plan or prioritization of prevention interventions that keep families from falling into homelessness in the first place. As DHSH and other city department administrators continue to iterate on PIT count methodology for families, the Mayor, City Supervisors, and other policy makers must prepare to address the larger and more complex truths about family homelessness that more comprehensive and transparent data will reflect.  About Erin Erin Su is a senior at Stanford University from Cupertino, CA who completed a summer internship with Compass’s Public Policy and External Affairs team. She studies public health and urban planning as a human biology major and plans to pursue a career in city planning, land use, or environmental law.  Citations Compass Family Services. (2023). “Homelessness FAQ.” Compass Family Services , Compass SF. Evans, C. (2024). “San Franciscans awaken to the cruelty—and futility— of homeless sweeps.” The San Francisco Standard.  Har, J. (2024). “Terrified residents of San Francisco’s Tenderloin district sue for streets free of drugs, tents.” Associated Press News. California Child Welfare Co-Investment Partnership. (2018). Housing Insecurity and Child Welfare. In sights, Volume XV.  San Francisco Immigrant Support. “Public Charge.” City and County of San Francisco Office of Civic Engagement and Immigrant Affairs. Alvarado, M. (2024). “SF Homeless Shelters Struggle to Accommodate Migrant Families.” San Francisco Public Press.  Bergmann et al. (2021). Strategies to Improve Point-In-Time (PIT) Counts of Unsheltered Homelessness: An Evaluation of Hennepin County’s Current Approach and Summary of Lessons Learned from Other Communities. Humphrey School of Public Affairs, University of Minnesota.

Last week, Family Advisory Committee alumni and professional chef, Jennifer Johnson, led a ‘How to Make the Most of Your Food Bag’ workshop to teach parents how to use classic ingredients from the food bags they receive at Compass to cook healthy meals at home. More than a dozen Compass parents attended, with the workshop facilitated in English and Spanish, and each parent was greeted with prepared print outs of recipes and a grocery list. Families can often struggle to create delicious and nutritious meals with the items provided in their grocery bags, because they are not personally selecting the items. While Compass works hard to provide culturally appropriate and well-balanced bags, some families may find certain items unfamiliar. Additionally, given the stress of navigating homelessness, families often lack the time and capacity to prepare complex meals. Donning a chef’s hat and coat and seated at a table spread with various ingredients and supplies, Jennifer taught the group how to use food bag ingredients to create a quick and easy jambalaya dish, which included teaching parents how to cut onions and prepare key ingredients. After walking everyone through the recipe, Jennifer brought out a large and delicious pan of jambalaya that she had cooked earlier that morning for everyone to enjoy.  Jennifer also presented her list of 21 grocery essentials to the group and walked through how to incorporate the essentials into different dishes and recipes. The group had many questions for Jennifer, but she also spent time asking everyone what were their favorite recipes to cook at home, and what grocery essentials they think should be included in food bags. Parents went around the room and excitedly shared with the group some of their favorite dishes and ingredients that represent their own unique upbringings and cultures. At the end of the workshop, each parent received a food bag to be able to bring what they learned home and try some of Jennifer’s recipes on their own. Jennifer’s cooking class is one of two summer opportunities organized for this year’s Family Advisory Committee cohort, which wrapped up its activities in June. The opportunities are part of an effort to continue to engage the cohort in meaningful ways. While Compass staff facilitated planning meetings with Jennifer, she took the lead on planning the class itself. We’re thankful to Jennifer for sharing her knowledge and talent with other Compass parents, and for reminding us that food is central to building and nurturing community. Check out Jennifer’s jambalaya recipe below! Cajun Jambalaya Jambalaya is a savory rice dish of mixed origins that developed in Louisiana with African, Spanish, and French influences, consisting mainly of meat or seafood (or both), and vegetables mixed with rice and spices. Ingredients: 1 tablespoon oil 1 onion, chopped  1 green bell pepper, chopped  1⁄2 cup chopped celery 3 garlic cloves, minced (paste also works) 2 cups  water 1  diced tomatoes, undrained  1/2 can tomato sauce 1⁄2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning 1 tablespoon creole seasoning  1 cup uncooked long grain rice 2 cups of vegetable stock  Instructions: Step 1:  Sauté the onion, bell pepper, celery, onion and garlic using 1 tablespoon of oil until soft. Step 2: Add in the uncooked rice, chicken or vegetable stock, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce Cajun/Creole seasoning and Italian seasoning. Give everything a good stir. Step 3:  Then cook for 30 -45 minutes, being sure to stir the mixture every 5 minutes or so (to prevent burning) until the rice is tender. Step 4: Lastly add browned protein  And cook for a final 8 minutes or so, until the shrimp is pink and opaque. Add the chicken and sausage back in. (These items are are brown by previously cooking for 8 minutes with 1 tablespoon of oil) Jennifer’s 21 Grocery Essentials - always keep on hand These items can all be cooked using a variation of techniques and flavors and pair well with multiple dishes throughout the day. With these key ingredients you can always make a delicious dish.  Meat / Seafood  Chicken (good source of protein) A Ground Turkey (healthy alternative to red meat, lean protein, full of b vitamins)  Salmon (rich in Omega 3 supports heart health)  Shrimp (high in protein, low in calories) Starches  Rice (It's low in fiber, fat, and calories, and can be paired with fiber-rich foods to boost a meal's nutritional profile) Buttertop Bread (Dammit it tastes good!) Potatoes (Rich in vitamin C)  Pasta noodles (Carbohydrates like pasta provide glucose, the crucial fuel for your brain and muscles)  Vegetables  Spinach (anti inflammatory, full of vitamins A, K and good source of iron)  Mushroom (low calorie source of fiber, protein, and antioxidants) Yellow Onion (superfood)  Green Bell Pepper (high in iron)  Diced tomatoes  Dairy and Eggs Eggs (no they aren’t dairy) Unsalted Butter (because you’ll always be seasoning your food anyway) Heavy Cream (multitude of uses)  Cheese (The Best Dietary Source for Calcium) Fruit Strawberries (rich in nutrients) Grains  Oatmeal (excellent source of fiber) Pantry Olive Oil (Boost Heart Health)  Chicken Stock (rich with essential fatty acids and protein)