In the News
Episcopal Community Services of San Francisco (ECS) will operate the Bryant Street Navigation Center. In addition to Bryant, ECS also operates the Central Waterfront Navigation Center and previously operated the original Mission Navigation Center prior to its closure in October 2018.
“This Navigation Center is a critical tool in a broader effort to drive systemic change and solve problems of homelessness more effectively on a larger scale,” said Episcopal Community services Executive Director, Beth Stokes. “Navigation Centers provide low-barrier, low-threshold respite from the streets for a highly vulnerable population, in tandem with on-site case management, streamlined access to social services and coordinated entry into housing pathways.”
1.9.19 Bryant Street Navigation Center 
Perhaps it will not surprise you that 58% of the 7,499 people counted as homeless in San Francisco’s 2017 Homeless Point-in-Time Count are living on the streets, but it’s true. The city has partnered with Episcopal Community Services of San Francisco (ECS) and other agencies to pilot new models to assist this highly vulnerable unsheltered population, many of whom have resisted entering the traditional shelter system for fear of losing their relationships, their pets, or their possessions.
https://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/news/2018/10/26/innovating-solutions-to-homelessness.html
The San Francisco Environmental Department shot a short video to highlight their Zero Waste Program at the Global Climate Summit in September. The Zero Waste Program awards grant funding to non-profit organizations whose work helps San Francisco towards zero waste. ECS is an indirect recipient of their efforts through the SF Produce Market, check out their video featuring ECS’s own, Chef Al Leddy.
Community Technology Network is an Episcopal Community Services of SF partner on the AB1299 Adoption Grant work, which is bringing digital literacy training and a free laptop to every unit of ECS owned housing at Canon Barcus, Canon Kip, and Bishop Swing.
This Adoption Grant work was the second of a two part State of CA funding opportunity to help bridge the digital divide at ECS. The first was an Infrastructure Grant that allowed all three properties to be wired for free Wi-Fi for all residents. In addition, ECS has been working to bring free Wi-Fi and 24/7 community computers through a different avenue to the master leased properties, as they are not eligible for AB1299 grant.
As a result of the hard work from so many dedicated and persistent ECS staff members, we are proud to say that ECS offers free Wi-Fi to every resident at every one of our properties and a device on which to access that Wi-Fi!
San Francisco, CA, May 14th, 2018 — Episcopal Community Services (ECS) of San Francisco, a leader in San Francisco’s plan to create more supportive housing for individuals and families experiencing homelessness, is proud to announce its 14th annual CHEFS Gala fundraiser on June 7, 2018 from 6:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. at Bespoke, located at 845 Market Street atop Westfield Centre.
Guests at the event will enjoy tastings and cocktails from 22 of the City’s best restaurants while participating in live and silent auctions. The fundraiser aims to raise awareness about San Franciscans experiencing homelessness and provide funds for housing, services and job training for the 7,000 people who access ECS’s services annually. A year after its most successful event yet, the 14th Annual CHEFS Gala looks to build on its momentum by creating even more opportunities for the very low income men, women and children whom ECS serves annually. Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased at chefsgalasf.org.
As San Francisco’s fastest-growing provider of supportive housing, ECS is committed to finding solutions to end homelessness by helping individuals and families gain the tools necessary to exit homelessness, from shelter to housing to employment services. The organization provides approximately half of San Francisco’s shelter beds for single adults and 96% of the formerly homeless residents who access ECS housing remain permanently housed. Starting July 1, ECS is implementing a, first of its kind in San Francisco, coordinated access system of care.
For more than 35 years, ECS has pushed boundaries through innovative programs such as the City’s first Navigation Center, which offers intensive case management, temporary shelter, and services to help homeless people find permanent housing. Most recently, the city of San Francisco selected ECS, in conjunction with Mercy Housing, to build and operate San Francisco’s largest permanent supportive housing development for formerly homeless people near Mission and 7th Streets. The two-building development will provide permanent homes for up to 265 households experiencing chronic homelessness, with 100 new units allocated to formerly homeless seniors, age 62 or older.
Many generous San Francisco restaurants are rallying behind ECS and its mission to help homeless San Franciscans. Bites from recently named “Top 100 Restaurants” (San Francisco Chronicle) Bellota, jū-ni, Nopa, Robin and Rooh will be provided, along with delicious dishes from Bi-Rite Market, Dosa, Flour + Water, Lolinda, Media Noche and many more. Students from ECS’s CHEFS (Conquering Homelessness through Employment in Food Services) training program will serve their own tasty treats
as well. Guests will enjoy cocktails provided by Tonic Beverage Catering, as well as tastings from Magnolia Brewing Company, Scribe Winery, and Chimney Rock.
CHEFS Gala seeks to raise awareness and $400,000 to support ECS’s vital programs, including the marquee CHEFS program. This five-month culinary training program provides people impacted by homelessness and poverty with technical and professional skills through classroom instruction, hands-on kitchen training, and a local food service internship.
“The sense of accomplishment our students gain by participating in and meeting industry professionals through CHEFS really begins to change the way they view themselves,” said Melanie Brew, CHEFS program director. “CHEFS empowers students to consider futures in which they have a say in how they lead their lives, while giving them the opportunity to do something that brings them happiness and a sense of purpose.”
Lead sponsors include staunch ECS supporters Cahill Contractors LLC, Heffernan Insurance Brokers, Herman Coliver Locus Architecture, MUFGU Union Bank Foundation, Hood & Strong, Keller & Benvenutti LLP, Silicon Valley Bank, Good Job Brothers, Market Design Furniture, Inc., and Xantrion. Leslie Sbrocco, host of the PBS restaurant review series Check Please! will emcee.
About Episcopal Community Services of San Francisco
Episcopal Community Services of San Francisco (ECS) has provided essential services to homeless and very low-income San Franciscans since 1982, utilizing a holistic approach that addresses the multiple causes leading to homelessness. The agency serves more than 7,000 people a year – through emergency shelters, Navigation Centers, 12 permanent supportive housing sites, adult education, workforce development, and a senior day center — guided by a mission to help homeless and very low-income people obtain the housing, shelter, and services each person needs to prevent and end homelessness. For more information about ECS, visit ecs-sf.org.
For more information, see below.
Social Media Assets:
Facebook: Facebook.com/ECSofSF/
Twitter: @ecs_sf #CHEFSGalaSF
Photography: Download photographs from CHEFS Gala 2017 as well as photography of ECD programs.
Media Contact:
Episcopal Community Services
Jenn Soult
Communications Manager
415-487-3300 x1249
Jsoult@ecs-sf.org
San Francisco Mayor Mark Farrell will propose raising city spending on homelessness by more than 11 percent next year, with a big chunk of the new money going toward measures intended to keep people from returning to the streets after the city manages to house them.
Press Release. Up to 265 units at 1064-1068 Mission will designate 100 homes for homeless seniors
View Press Release
In my early twenties, I had lived in New York for two years when a friend of mine invited me to go to San Francisco. We would just be there for a couple of weeks, but when we got there, I was so broke that I didn’t have enough money to go back with him. Read Full Article