Model and Strategy
North Beach Citizens prevents homelessness with specific strategies which will be enhanced and expanded with the Battery grant. First, we prevent evictions by providing one-time grants for renters in need. We ask these clients to demonstrate that they will be able to pay their rent going forward to receive this support. This type of support was crucial during the early months of pandemic before government assistance arrived and staved off evictions for individuals out of work. Second, our move-in fund can make the difference between someone accepting housing or remaining on the streets. Third, we offer emergency interim and transitional housing in local SRO’s as we support clients through long city waiting lists for permanent housing.
These services are complimented by our case managers work which fosters partnerships with providers offering permanent housing, mental health, and health services to chronically homeless individuals. Our chronically homeless clients require a higher level of care to build their trust in our model of service and is needed to encourage engagement with professional medical services.
Impact
North Beach Citizens supports nearly 800 San Franciscans each year; 93% of them maintain housing for at least one year. Annual evaluations provide measurements of progress on indicators including housing obtained and maintained; quality of life for clients; safety of streets. But perhaps the impact can best be shared through a story that demonstrates the unique community based approach that North Beach Citizens takes to preventing homelessness.
Ken, a local community member, was bartending full-time and through the chatter in the neighborhood North Beach Citizens learned he was not able to return to work because he had a motorcycle accident. He came to us and was reluctant to ask for help, but had nowhere to turn. Extremely overwhelmed, he shared his story and we took the time to listen. We made a phone call to his landlord to prove he could pay the back rent owed with our help, a process that typically would take weeks or months of paperwork. We were able to provide him with his back rent that day. He returned to work after his recovery and got back on his feet and is now a productive community member.
Leadership
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Kristie Fairchild
Executive Director
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Phil Dillard
Board Member; President, Thruline Networks
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Nick Ferris
Board Member; Senior Director of Sales, Revinate
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Gail Gilman
Board Member; Chief Strategy Officer, All Home