In the News

Shireen McSpadden took the helm last month as the director of San Francisco’s Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing. McSpadden is coming to the department at a pivotal time. At last count, the city had more than 8,000 people experiencing homelessness, and experts have predicted that number could grow as a result of pandemic-related job losses. She’s…

Want to solve America’s urban homeless crisis? First, you have to believe it can be fixed. Anyone who has passed by the seemingly endless rows of hard-worn tents and makeshift shelters scattered under San Francisco’s bridges, beside its freeways, and along its sidewalks has probably struggled to imagine how our nation’s homeless crisis might be…

“Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf appointed nine people, including nonprofit workers, community leaders, formerly homeless people and a doctor, to a new advisory commission on homelessness as the city’s crisis deepens.” Read the full SF Chronicle article.

“In addition to housing and the Homeless Services Center, the development will also be equipped with a 6,000 square-foot commercial kitchen space for Episcopal Community Services’ Conquering Homelessness through Employment in Food Services, or CHEFS program. The 12-week program helps formerly homeless residents gain experience through hands-on training and paid internships at local restaurants.” Read…

“A residential hotel in San Francisco and an unused college dormitory in Oakland will be turned into long-term housing for homeless people under a state program designed to keep people off the streets during and after the coronavirus pandemic, Gov. Gavin Newsom said Monday.” Read the full San Francisco Chronicle article.

The low temperatures and wet weather of San Francisco’s winter months are dangerous for people experiencing homelessness, and particularly those who are unsheltered and vulnerable to exposure-related illnesses. Starting on November 24, 2019, Episcopal Community Services (ECS), in collaboration with partners the San Francisco Interfaith Council, Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing, and San Francisco Night Ministry will once…

ECS has long been one of San Francisco’s leading providers of interim and supportive housing and other services for seniors who are low-income and/or homeless (currently or formerly). In fact, this group comprises roughly one‐third of residents at ECS shelters and supportive housing sites. The Canon Kip Senior Center serves more than 1,400 seniors annually, providing…

By Josh Steinberger, Associate Manager of Problem Solving Episcopal Community Services’s (ECS) Problem Solvers take an innovative, highly personalized approach to help people experiencing homelessness find creative solutions and pathways to housing. As affordable and supportive housing are available to only a limited number of persons, particularly those with the greatest need, this division of…