After hearing from so many of you that Homelessness was a growing problem in our neighborhood, the BCNA Board took action. With the help of North Beach Citizens âa non-profit dedicated to humane solutions for unhoused peopleâwe identified a handful of approachable people unhoused on the streets of the Barbary Coast Neighborhood.
Kristie Fairchild, NB Citizensâ executive director, jumped in. For two women who had lost jobs or housing, Kristie and her team helped them find transitional housing. A Vietnam veteran initially rejected offers of help but, after a few months, agreed to participate in NB Citizensâ Street beautification program (street clean-up in exchange for lunch & food vouchers) and now has permanent housing.
Another man, Chris, had a more complicated story. With the help of an NB Citizens case manager, Chris has been able to correct the errors in his social security records, which prevented him from receiving benefits. Today, Chris has his new DMV I.D. card, monetary benefits, and a physician and has moved into permanent affordable housing. Here is a picture of Chris Bass with keys to his new apartment, wearing new/clean clothes donated by BCNA members. BCNA members also donated furniture and a mini fridge to Chris for his new apartment.
To read more about Chrisâs story and others who have been helped by North Beach Citizensâ go to https://www.northbeachcitizens.org/our-work.
What you can do
Each year, BCNA donates time and in-kind to a local non-profit that benefits our neighborhood. This year, the BCNA selected North Beach Citizens and added a modest cash donation.
We urge you to learn more about North Beach Citizens, the impact of their work, and how they benefit the neediest in the Barbary Coast neighborhood by going to their website at https://www.northbeachcitizens.org/
Consider adding your donation to help the unhoused people in the Barbary Coast neighborhood by donating to or helping out at https://www.northbeachcitizens.org/fundaneed
Thank you on behalf of the BCNA Board of Directors