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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.

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 largest population of children of any neighborhood in San Francisco. These children often miss out on a lot of the fun experiences that make childhood joyful. Many had never been to a pumpkin patch before, given the urban environment where they live. So, Compass decided to bring the pumpkin patch right to the kids. Activities included crafts, a bounce house, corn hole, pumpkin picking and trick-or-treat. Special guests included Mayor Daniel Lurie, Per Sia, award-winning drag queen who read to the children in Spanish, a magician, a clown, and three members of San Francisco's pro women's basketball team the Golden State Valkyries. Kids left with books, pumpkins, snacks, and goody bags filled with toys and treats. Check out all the fun! Thanks to the incredible partners and sponsors who donated money, goods, and time to make the event one of a kind for Tenderloin families: Koret Foundation KPMG Visa Royal Auto Group of San Francisco Bill Graham Civic Auditorium Brenda's French Soul Food Britex Fabrics Earl's Organic Produce The Golden State Valkyries Gus's Community Market Per Sia Presidio Hills School San Francisco Fire Department San Francisco-Marin Food Bank San Francisco Recreation & Parks San Francisco Police Department S&L Wholesale Produce Tony's Pizza Napoletana

Carlos, Laura, and their two children sit gathered together in the RV that has been their home for years. After years of living in their RV, Carlos could hardly believe his family’s move indoors was finally in reach. He drove their vehicle to a pop-up RV outreach event in Bayview/Hunter’s Point. The home that kept his family safe for years stalled at a stop light one block away from the event, five minutes before it was scheduled to end.   Outreach workers help Carlos complete the paperwork required to obtain their temporary RV permit. The eager family's dreams were not dashed by the limits of their vehicle. Other RV owners rallied around them, attached cables to the engine, and brought it back to life. Sunlight faded, but the dedicated outreach workers from Urban Alchemy and the city’s Homeless Outreach Team did not turn them away when they arrived a few minutes after the event ended. Instead, they got out lanterns and completed the final paperwork needed to get the family their temporary RV permit, which will keep their vehicle from getting towed while they prepare to move indoors.  Laura celebrates the news of their upcoming move. “Feliz! Feliz! Feliz!” Laura exclaimed a few weeks later, when Compass staff introduced the family to the outreach workers who would help them with the move. Laura was ready to say goodbye to their home on wheels. “It feels like we won the lottery,” she said.  The family is participating in a vehicle buy-back program. Two days after completing the paperwork, the family received $1,000.  Once they move indoors, the family will receive an additional $175/foot for each foot of their vehicle’s length over 22 feet. Participants are estimated to receive $3,000 – $7,000 in total for their RVs.  Laura and Carlos pose with Compass Family Services staff (left) and Catholic Charities staff (right). Jason, the Director of the Large Vehicle Program at Catholic Charities , is leading the team that is helping RV families move indoors. He understands these families’ struggles firsthand, having been a Compass client with his family back in 2011. Today, he supports families by leading with empathy, assuring them that he knows what it felt like to be in their shoes. Jason also helps families connect  with other opportunities they need for long-term success. He told Laura and Carlos about opportunities from the Treasurer’s Office to receive city debt relief, other benefits they are eligible for, and job opportunities they can pursue to increase their income.   On Friday, Laura, Carlos, and their children got the keys to their new home. They cheered with delight on their way down the hall. Laughter filled the apartment as the children began exploring the bathroom, the closets, and the kitchen. They are among the first of many families who will be moving into housing in the days and months ahead, each taking another step toward housing, stability, and hope. Welcome home!   This blog is part four of a series of stories we are sharing about the needs of families living in large vehicles. Other posts in this series include:   Reaching Families Where They Are: Compass Expands Vehicle Outreach in San Francisco   Advocating for Families in RV’s, One Door at a Time   Life on Wheels: The Hidden Struggle of San Francisco's RV Families

We are providing Kids’ Activity Packs to Compass children across the Bay Area, with the knowledge that isolation, fear and stress increase vulnerabilities in ANY family, but more so in our families that are already so at-risk. Compass families are among those most impacted by the COVID-19 health crisis with loss of employment, childcare resources and more. With generous support from Children of Shelters and individual contributions, we are able to provide families with Kids’ Activity Packs, consisting of age-appropriate toys, books, games, and educational materials to help engage Compass kids during Shelter-in-Place. We are incredibly grateful to our Board member, Beth Jenkyn and her family for assembling 414 kits and delivering them to our 37 Grove Service Hub to be distributed to Compass families. We are also thankful to our dedicated staff for distributing Kids’ Activity Packs to families who come to our Drop-In hours at 37 Grove and delivering to families who live in less accessible neighborhoods. Compass is working hard each day to meet the needs of our families but we cannot do this alone! If you are interested in ways you can help Compass families during the COVID-19 health crisis, check out our Take Action Toolkit to learn more about in-person and remote opportunities. You can help additional families today by purchasing a COVID-19 Family Care Kit that includes gift cards for groceries, medicine, and household items.

SC Johnson Partners with Compass to Expand Housing Services and Provide Meals During COVID-19 Crisis Compass Family Services has received a grant for $65,000 from SC Johnson to help families who are experiencing homelessness. $50,000 of these funds provide Compass with much needed support to serve the 6,000 parents and children the organization works with each year. This funding is the Venture level of Compass’ Community Investment Grant for corporate partnerships and will provide comprehensive services for homeless families to develop personalized housing plans and fostering stability. This includes shelter, childcare, employment, and educational assistance. The SC Johnson funding will also support Compass’ Behavioral Health Services program that provides mental healthcare for parents and children individually as well as family therapy to address trauma and abuse experienced during homelessness. The impact of this generous grant will help 30 families to become stably housed, economically self-sufficient, and achieve family well-being. The remaining $15,000 will provide groceries and hot meals to students who are currently out of school due to COVID-19 and regularly rely on school-provided meal options. “This is an unspeakably difficult time for everyone, but families facing homelessness were already extremely vulnerable when the pandemic hit, and thus are feeling its impact particularly hard,” said Erica Kisch, Executive Director of Compass Family Services. “We are incredibly grateful for SC Johnson’s generosity and their commitment to the community. With their support, we are better able to do more to help these parents and children to weather this terrible storm.” Compass Family Services provides childcare, healthcare, education, employment, shelter, transitional housing, mental healthcare, legal services and a host of basic-needs services to address each family’s unique circumstances as they work toward housing stability, self-sufficiency and well-being.

We are proud to announce our Employee of the Month - Jacqui Jackson Jacqui is a hard-working, enthusiastic, smart and deeply compassionate Case Manager at SF HOME. SF HOME is a Compass program which rapidly re-houses homeless families so that they can work towards long-term economic self-sufficiency. This program also helps families at risk of homelessness to stabilize and maintain their housing. Jacqui often goes above and beyond for her clients, whether it’s spending all day with them at a community college or advocating that they receive an extension in services. She does not shy away from challenging conversations, or the opportunity to push her clients towards further growth. Jacqui also goes above and beyond for the SF HOME team. After asking to take on more responsibility, she began providing housing search assistance to very low income families with Section 8 vouchers and triaging clients for Homelessness Prevention Assistance. She has started to co- facilitate a self-care workshop with the Family Resource Center Team too. Jacqui radiates positivity, creativity and is a constant voice for positive change. Thank you Jacqui for the talent, intelligence, and thoughtfulness you dedicate to our clients, team and community as a whole.

We held the ribbon cutting ceremony for our new service hub for Compass families at 37 Grove Street on September 20, 2018. Launching a $30M comprehensive campaign to fund the purchase and remodel of this new site as well as fund three years of Compass programming was a necessary leap of faith. It was a well-thought-out leap in the knowledge that owning our building would ensure Compass Family Services would escape the City’s rental market to serve families experiencing homelessness, and families who are at risk, well into the future. Following the COVID-19 shelter-in-place order, 37 Grove Street immediately became a distri­bution hub for emergency support to families. The location was central to our families living in and around the Tenderloin and Mid-Market neighborhoods as well as easily accessible for large deliveries of groceries and supplies, and for staff to load up for distribution to Compass families housed throughout the Bay Area. Our previous location at 995 Market Street would not have allowed for hundreds of families each week lining up to receive support services. No other Compass locations could have accommodated such efforts. We are extremely fortunate to have secured 37 Grove Street in time to be ready for 2020’s pandemic challenges. As we approach our final year of Housing. Support. Hope: The Campaign for the San Francisco Family , we are – at the time of this publication – at 93% of our goal. Compass’ ability to act in this time of extreme crisis is due to the many donors who listened to our plan and invested in our work and our families – in all our community. Compass Family Services is like a great ship, first docked at the Ferry Building in 1914 and now stationed across from City Hall. We carry hopes, struggles, victories, and losses of the past, and those to come. We have lasted on staff determination and commitment to serving families, exemplary donors, and dedicated board members. We are a ship fighting for the privilege of obsolescence, to be out of commission. Planning for the Recovery Ahead When the pandemic crisis positioned itself on top of the housing crisis in San Francisco, we knew it would be a major setback for Compass families. We also knew we would see an increase in the number of families seeking services. We are diligent about collecting as much data as possible on the effects of the pandemic on Compass families. One thing that our data makes very clear – there is a growing back rent crisis looming. Early identified debt from Compass families totaled more than $500,000. We are already providing back rent relief and this past holiday season, adapted our annual Adopt-a-Family holiday project to include back rent support as an option for donors. Donors responded with more than $300,000 in back-rent support. The economic impact of the pandemic on our families is dramatic, of course, and so is the emotional toll. Families are experiencing an increase in domestic violence and abuse. Many families are doubled or tripled up in small apartments to avoid being outside with their children. Overcrowding along with the stresses of losing their income and childcare, and with the threat of losing their housing, is seeding long-term mental health issues. Our school-aged children are falling further behind and early childhood development is threatened for the youngest in our client families. Over 90% of Compass families are people of color and it’s critical to serving our families that we understand the current moment, including the racial reckoning our nation is dealing with post-George Floyd. Our work today includes battling the systemic racism and inequality that has plagued our nation for centuries. We look to the challenges ahead with determination and as fierce advocates for our families and our community. We also look to you and those we choose to represent us in government to join us in the good trouble and good work that needs to be done.

Jake Kanter Meet Jake! Jake first came to Compass last year as a volunteer during our 23rd annual Adopt-a-Family holiday event where he helped receive, move, and organize hundreds of boxes of holiday gifts for families in need throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. After volunteering for our holiday event, Jake continues to support our work as a long term volunteer making time to come on site to our 37 Grove Services Hub each week while also juggling a full-time position at Twilio. Donations of essential items for families, such as diapers, wipes, food, clothing and more have poured into Compass during the pandemic and Jake is always here to lend a helping hand to sort clothes, move mountains of diapers and wipes, and stack cases of hand sanitizer and shampoo. Although this is physically demanding work, Jake's support in helping manage our resources has allowed Compass staff more time to directly support families looking for help at our front door. Donations of diapers, wipes, hand sanitizer, and baby shampoo Compass has been very fortunate to have Jake as part of a small team of dedicated in-person volunteers who provide incredible support every day on site during the last 15 months of the COVID-19 health crisis. Jake's deep commitment to Compass and the families we serve led him to join our Leadership Council and he was recently elected as Secretary for the next two years. All of us at Compass Family Services deeply appreciate Jake's dedication to serving our community by volunteering his time and his talent to support our mission to break the cycles of poverty and family homelessness. Thank you, Jake!

Mike is a long-standing supporter of Compass and the homeless and at-risk families we serve. Mike has been a Compass Board Member since 2002. As the Technology Committee Chair, Mike, with help from Twitter, led the installation of wireless internet at Compass’ program sites. As the COVID-19 crisis intensified, Mike and his family rose to the occasion to make sure that Compass families are cared for during Shelter-in-Place. Since Shelter-in-Place started, Mike has on a weekly basis delivered meals from Che Fico to the families living at Compass Clara House. As part of our Hotels for Homeless Families Initiative, Mike, along with his family and friends contributed 27 microwaves so that families sheltering in the SOMA hotel are able heat up their food and eat warm meals. He also helped install a refrigerator and freezer at the hotel so that families will be able to safely store food during their stay. Thank you Mike for your contribution over the years and for your amazing dedication during the pandemic!