The number of unhoused people in San Francisco has increased by seven percent compared to the city’s previous count in 2022. Among them are 535 families facing housing insecurity.
Another sobering statistic: Among poor households — those making double the federal poverty level — food insecurity skyrocketed from 35 percent to 67 percent between 2021 and 2022, according to the city.
As the holidays are upon us, different organizations around the city are rolling up their sleeves to tackle these and other issues. They’re serving residents who may need an extra hand, a toy, a meal, a smile, a hug or a physical place to find community.
Mission Local has drafted a list of local organizations where readers can volunteer through the holiday season. Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, Feliz Navidad, 聖誕快樂, Happy Hanukkah and Maligayang Pasko! Here’s where you can volunteer this winter season.
If you hear of others, or want to list your call for volunteers, please contact me at oscar.palma@missionlocal.com.
San Francisco City Impact
The Tenderloin-based nonprofit San Francisco City Impact offers free groceries, meals, new clothes and dental care to neighborhood residents.
Volunteers will give away meals and blankets, sort and hand out toys, and cook food for anyone showing up to the group’s fifth annual holiday outreach event on Dec. 25 at 144 Taylor St. Volunteers will also deliver the items to those people unable to attend.
The Christmas celebrations will take place from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Volunteers are needed to work the outreach on Dec. 25; those who are interested can sign up here, a $26 donation is requested upon registration.
San Francisco City Impact highlighted the importance of supporting the Tenderloin community ahead of the holidays, as many in the neighborhood face homelessness, drug use and poverty.
“As we begin to wrap up the year, we are doing so with our fifth Holiday Outreach — Christmas Day Outreach. Kids will play, learn, and enjoy a holiday meal, with a special toy giveaway. Volunteers will help us serve meals and clothing to residents, bringing joy to all.”
Salvation Army
Toys
The Salvation Army will host its 2024 Angel Tree Toy Distribution event at the Kroc Center at 240 Turk St. on Dec. 19 from 9 a.m to 6 p.m. Volunteers are asked to commit to three-hour shifts. Currently there are slots open from noon to 6 p.m.
People interested in volunteering can sign up here.
Meal deliveries
The Salvation Army will also be delivering meals to seniors and people with disabilities across San Francisco on Dec. 25. Volunteers are needed to perform a variety of tasks that include loading meals, controlling traffic, checking-in and greeting drivers and, of course, driving and delivering meals.
Meal pickup will be at 155 Santa Clara St. Shifts start as early as 7:30 a.m and run as late as 12:30 p.m. on Christmas Day.
People interested in volunteering can sign up here.
Glide
The Tenderloin-based nonprofit serves three meals a day, 364 days of the year. In addition to its daily meals, it also offers other services, such as childcare for low-income families, an ambassador program that connects residents in the streets to services, and free vaccines and testing for residents of the neighborhood.
There are various volunteering opportunities at Glide this holiday season, including preparing, packing, distributing and serving meals, both on Christmas Day and Christmas Eve.
Even though some slots are already full, there are still some open for Christmas breakfast, Christmas Eve prep, meal delivery, and serving hot cider to those waiting in line for breakfast on Christmas Day. All celebrations will take place at the nonprofit’s building at 330 Ellis St.
“The holidays are a special season for us, because it’s an opportunity to show our community that they matter and that we care,” said director of volunteerism and corporate partnerships, Lindsey Coonan. “No matter what happened in their lives in the past, we’re here for them.”
Coonan invited residents to continue volunteering after the holidays are over, because Glide often sees the lowest numbers of volunteers in the first three months of the year.
People interested in volunteering can sign up for slots here. Any questions, email Lindsey Coonan at lcoonan@glide.org.
Little Brothers
Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly is a nonprofit that works to reduce isolation among older adults by providing programs that include social gatherings, birthday and holiday visits, medical escorts and bimonthly visits from volunteers.
“For many older adults, the holiday season can be an incredibly challenging time. While society often portrays a picture-perfect Hallmark Christmas, the reality is that many elders lack the presence of friends and family in their lives,” said Little Brothers Executive Director Cathy Michalec.
Volunteers are asked to participate in a one-time orientation as well as background checks. People interested in volunteering can sign up here.
“The volunteers who generously give their time to visit and connect with our elders are making a profound difference,” said Michalec. “Through their kindness, they may even bring a glimpse of that Hallmark Christmas magic to those who need it most.”
Cultura y Arte Nativa de las Americas
CANA is a Mission-based nonprofit working to promote the culture of Indigenous communities in Latin American and the Caribbean, across the Bay Area.
The organization will be distributing toys on Dec. 15 at 683 Florida St. from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
People interested in volunteering can sign up via email at rosine@cana.org
Saint Francis Lutheran Church
Saint Francis is hosting a free potluck on Dec. 25 from noon to 3 p.m. at 152 Church St. Even though no volunteering opportunities are listed, attendees are encouraged to bring a dish to share with others.
There will be prizes, music, drinks and food. All are welcome.
Family Connections Center
Family Connections Center is a nonprofit with a presence in Portola, the Mission and Visitation Valley. For the last 30 years, the group has worked to support families and the healthy development of children by providing after-school programs, early childhood education and family support services, such as free groceries and free access to technological devices.
The nonprofit will be wrapping presents to distribute during the Christmas holidays. Volunteers are needed on Dec. 19 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the nonprofit’s Portola location at 2565 San Bruno Ave.
Snacks will be provided, and holiday jingles may be in the mix. People interested in volunteering can sign up here.
Another place to volunteer and/or support- Tenderloin Tessie’s holiday dinners. See webpage at https://www.tenderlointessie.com/
With all due respect . On behalf of non profits we do r need volunteers . Please donate money .
It’s insulting that you come in for 5 hours to make yourself feel good and get I. The way .
Just take whatever you make an hour and times or by 5.
If you get paid $50 and hour . Please send a check for $250 instead . Truth hurts but will go further then 5 hours of your time taking selfies and calling everyone and telling them your volunteering .
How about doing both?