Author: Seth Abrahamson

“It’s been amazing to witness so many positive success stories in the short amount of time we’ve been open.”

Posted on by Seth Abrahamson

Picture yourself living on the streets of San Francisco: you’ve lost your job, your home, your friends, your support system, and as a result, you’ve lost all confidence that things will change for the better. Whether this is the cause or result of substance addiction, struggles with mental health, or a myriad of other circumstances, this is an unfortunate and terrifying reality for thousands of San Francisco residents. The longer a person faces this heartbreaking reality, the harder it becomes to find any light at the end of a seemingly never-ending dark tunnel. That’s where we step in. When all hope is lost, there’s PRC.

On May 18th, 2021, PRC opened its second Hummingbird respite center in San Francisco’s Mission District, where many homeless individuals struggle to find resources and the help needed to make meaningful changes in their lives. Based on the model of its predecessor, Hummingbird Potrero, located at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, these programs are the first step for those with the desire to change their life course for the better, and get the help needed to assist in making those changes.

Michelle Sanchez is the project director for the new Hummingbird Valencia location, and we recently sat down with her to give our readers an inside look into what services these locations offer, and how they can have a positive impact on a person’s life.

Michelle has an intrinsic desire to help people and has dedicated her career to serving those who need her help. Originally from Southern California, she studied clinical psychology at UC Santa Barbara, then went on to earn her Master’s in the field from Notre Dame De Namur in Belmont. Immediately after graduating she started working for PRC’s Baker Places residential treatment facilities as a counselor, then advanced as the Director of Intake. Her success in that role then led her to become the Project Director for Joe Healy Medical Detox, and after nearly eleven years in the field, her skills and dedication led her to become the Project Director at Hummingbird Valencia. Having worked in nearly every department at Baker Places, she’s gained the knowledge and experience needed to address the complexity of situations her clients face, and to be successful in her role.

Can you explain to our readers what a Hummingbird Center is?

“It’s a low threshold navigation center, a resource center, and a respite, meaning a period of rest or relief from being on the streets. At Hummingbird, we serve our homeless community who struggle with mental health, substance abuse, medical issues, HIV, and everything under the sun. The main purpose of Hummingbird is best described as a question: Where are individuals going to go while they’re waiting for the appropriate program, when they’re not yet eligible for treatment, or when they’re waiting for housing? Many times they don’t have an ID, or they don’t have Medi-Cal. So instead of being out on the street, they’re able to be here in a safe place while we work to refer them to either treatment programs, housing, or link them to case management.”

Is someone able to come to you directly off of the streets, or do they have to be referred?

“We have two programs at Hummingbird Valencia: an overnight program and another for day drop-in clients. For the overnight program need to be referred for overnight stays and approved by the SFDPH Placement Team.  They are often referred by Street Crisis Response Team or Homeless Outreach Team. Basically, they need to be part of our homeless community.”

How does that work?

“Our mission is to engage with our community and to let them know that this is a safe place to be, that there are resources out there. As the Project Director, I do my best to monitor our neighborhood and if there is an incident with an individual, we reach out. One of our teams will pick up an individual who’s on the street, they’ll engage with them and tell them about us, and if they decide to give it a try, we do the rest. We coordinate with the client and try to ease them into the idea of treatment. It might just be a matter of getting them through the door or getting a COVID test, coming for coffee, a meal, washing clothes, or taking a shower. The showers are such a luxury here, and some of our clients haven’t had a shower in a long, long time. Those are the basics. They’re just coming straight off of the street, and we’re making them aware of the services we provide while they access our day drop-in services.”

How does the day drop-in program differ from the overnight program?

“Our day drop-in can entail any homeless client coming in to hang out upstairs and watch TV, or take a shower and eat, and they get to leave. They’re here anytime between 10:00 am and 6:00 pm, every day. Some clients benefit from that because they’re not quite ready to commit to a program or to leave their carts and their belongings. They aren’t ready to trust anyone. But they’re at least coming in to dip their toes in the water, or simply have a meal knowing it’s a safe place during the day. Some people who come in have medical issues and we have medical staff here on site. We’re able to talk to them and get them help. So it’s an amazing service.”

Does a client have to leave their belongings behind for them to access your programs?

“We can store moderate amounts, like a single cart, in a secure storage area in our garage, which is guarded by security, and that makes them feel safe. But we do have to debug and label everything if being admitted and staying overnight. These are their belongings, and we want to make sure that we have respect for their things. That’s their whole lives, you know.  We do our best to treat their belongings respectfully, so we allow them to bring their things in. We don’t have room to store multiple carts for each person, however, so individuals with multiple carts are hesitant to leave their possessions behind. They also have to take their belongings with them when they leave.”

Are there other services or programs of this kind?

“PRC’s services are a completely unique and new level of care. The Hummingbird centers have never existed before now. Hummingbird Potrero is on the campus of Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital. Every day I consult with Melida Solorzano, the Project Director there, to discuss certain clients and the best environment for them to be placed. I previously worked directly under Melida when I was a counselor and I love all the work she’s done as the divisional director at the time. And now at Hummingbird Valencia, it’s nice because I’ve been able to consult with her and pick her brain on things.”

Are you at full capacity now?

“Yes, we are. We have currently have 26 beds and are working to increase capacity to 30 beds in the near future. COVID precautions have required us to integrate additional beds slowly. But people come in and out, and we fill the beds as people leave. That’s what it looks like in any program.”

What happens when you’re full? If somebody comes in, do they get put on a waiting list?

“I have several people who are waiting on a bed, so I’m constantly in contact with the providers, Melida, and Dore Urgent Care Clinic. We’re always trying to make a plan so that clients don’t have to wait very long. Most of the time, people get into Hummingbird Valencia the same day. If they have to wait for a bed, it can take a day or two.”

How long is the average stay?

“About two weeks, though we have a few clients who have been here since July waiting on board and cares facilities that provide 24-hour assistance with things like dressing, bathing, and medication management, and they are slim to none when it comes to availability. A lot of people continue to struggle with substance use while being in a program. So some people might last a week or two, which is great. But there are some who are only here for a couple of days. They felt the need to get some rest from being on the street, and then they go back out. It can be part of that vicious cycle, but every time we engage and welcome them back. The luxury of Hummingbird Valencia is that they can come back.”

Is addiction one of the main factors that causes somebody to leave and then come back?

“Yes, that is the main reason people self-discharge. It’s those cravings. We provide group meetings – a mandatory meeting in the morning and an optional one in the evening, and counselors are here 24/7. A lot of meetings focus on recovery and mental health, but it depends on what the need is. At the same time, we’re trying to engage and plant a seed, letting our clients know that there are resources and help out there. Even in the middle of the night, if they have cravings, or they need to talk to someone, they have our support. We know it takes time, and it’s not going to happen overnight.”

For a client who leaves, how hard is it for them to get back into the program?

“When we’re at full capacity, clients go on the waiting list. But I tell them to keep coming to day drop-in offerings because they’re always welcome. And a few people have. I can write the referral and work with the placement team so it’s possible, and they know this.  When clients leave, we always tell them that’s fine, it’s their decision. It’s absolutely voluntary to stay with us, and if they ever want to come back, we are here and can help.

Do all of your clients graduate to other programs?

“A large portion of our clients do move onto other treatment programs. We’re either getting them into substance abuse treatment, or they’re going to one of our Baker programs for dual diagnosis, meaning substance use and mental health treatment. That’s what is so awesome about PRC Baker Places. Other programs usually have a mental health program or a substance abuse program only. We have programs that help with both. That’s where PRC Baker Places really shines. We recognize that they go hand in hand, and we cater to both, which is rare.”

Do your clients get along well?

“For the most part, yes, but there have been a few rare moments of discord. I’ve seen a community unfold and grow, and It’s not always sunshine and rainbows. But I see people making friends, creating community, and building social support, which is great. Clients who are unhappy because they don’t get along with people, or they’re too paranoid, typically leave as a result. They’ll self-discharge if it’s not for them because we’re a voluntary program.”

Have you had to pivot due to COVID 19?

“DPH in collaboration with PRC has developed a process for us to use Binax rapid COVID testing at our location. Our process is to test all individuals arriving for day drop-in and overnight beds prior to their entry into the program.  We work with the San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH) COVID Command staff to inform them of any positive test results and have a process for confirmatory testing. We work with SFDPH providers in securing a location for the client to enter if they have a positive Binax test so they can be monitored and have care provided as necessary.” 

Have you had any outbreaks at Hummingbird?

“There hasn’t been an outbreak because we are diligent, and we follow the recommended health protocols. Our instances of client positive COVID tests are rare because we require both staff and clients to adhere to safe practices for COVID mitigation including the use of PPE, wearing masks, and social distancing. For example, one client who tested positive was working with the Street Crisis Response Team. They were able to take the client to the hospital and work with him to get a shelter-in-place hotel instead of dropping him off in the neighborhood where it could potentially spread. It was an opportunity to also educate the client about COVID and the benefits of wearing a mask, and make sure that he was aware of the importance of not only continuing to get tested, but also going to the hospital, monitoring his symptoms, and not spreading it.”

Has the pandemic limited your ability to move clients through the programs?

“Yes, COVID has slowed the process for getting clients into our programs, but clients haven’t had to wait too long as compared to last year, and we have multiple Baker Places programs that they can go to. It’s generally wherever a bed is available. And we work very closely with our intake department so we’re tracking clients from day one of them being with us.”

How many more Hummingbird facilities do we need in our city?

“Oh my! As many as we can get, and I’d love to be part of them all! It’s been amazing to witness so many positive success stories in the short amount of time we’ve been open.”

While we would love to have multiple clones of Michelle and a Hummingbird facility in every San Francisco neighborhood, we also need the resources to ensure that each of the many thousands of homeless individuals living on our streets has a bed and the programs needed to assist them on their journey to recovery and greater independence.

If you’ve enjoyed learning about Hummingbird Valencia and how Michelle assists San Francisco’s homeless population on their journey to recovery, please consider supporting this work with a donation today.

If you would like to learn more about the work being done at PRC, we invite you to read more client and staff stories on our blog.

PRC Proudly Sees the Bare Chest Calendar Become Independent

Posted on by Seth Abrahamson

Each year, PRC honors an organization at its Mighty Real Gala that has been instrumental in helping PRC significantly advance its mission. No partner has done nearly as much as Bare Chest Calendar over the years to advocate and raise funds for PRC and its essential services for those most in need. That is why PRC is honored to recognize Bare Chest Calendar with the Outstanding Community Partner Award at its Gala on November 5th at the Four Seasons. The work that the Calendar has done over the years is so incredibly important to PRC, and the funds they have raised directly support PRC’s HIV/AIDS, mental health, and substance use services.

The powerhouse fundraising organization known as Bare Chest Calendar (BCC) has been generously supporting PRC and the AIDS Emergency Fund, which later became a part of PRC, for more than 35 years by donating the proceeds from their annual calendar sales and other fundraising activities. In recent years, the Calendar has raised more than $200,000 annually for PRC’s critical services. The calendars feature twelve shirtless men who become spokespersons for PRC’s HIV/AIDS related services. If you’ve been to one of the many street fairs in San Francisco, you’ve probably seen the Bare Chest Calendar booth and the shirtless or leather vested advocates selling and signing calendars while promoting the work of PRC.

BCC was founded in 1984 by the manager of Arena Bar, Terry Thompson, and three friends who desired to help those suffering from the HIV/AIDS pandemic. The Calendar has since raised more than $2 million dollars and featured more than 400 shirtless men. In its early days, it was sold in-person as a promotion calendar at the Arena bar, then it migrated to the SF Eagle bar, and then moved again to its current home at the Powerhouse Bar. Each of these bars has significant historical roots within San Francisco’s leather and LGBTQ communities and has also contributed to the growth and success of the Calendar. Each year Bare Chest Calendar holds competitions to select 12 men for the following year’s calendar. But these men do much more than pose shirtless! Every week from June through December they take time out of their personal schedules to work at local or statewide fundraising events, all while educating the masses on the services of the organization they’re fundraising for.

Bare Chest Calendar models have built a community, often referred to as a brotherhood, and are guided by their “Den Daddies,” leaders appointed to manage contest and fundraising activities.  The Calendar Men each have different reasons for participating and many come back year after year. Some have also been recipients of PRC’s services, and their participation is a way to give back to the organization that helped them through a tough time in their lives. Upon Bare Chest Calendar’s success and growth, the organization has come to an exciting cross-road in its trajectory and has decided to become its own 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. While BCC will continue to support PRC, its volunteers look forward to partnering with other local LQBTQ initiatives that extend beyond PRC’s scope of services. PRC CEO Brett Andrews affirms, “As PRC’s oldest community fundraiser, Bare Chest Calendar holds a special place in our hearts. Proceeds raised over the years have helped to provide direct relief to our clients, and we are forever grateful. PRC is thrilled to support Bare Chest Calendar as they take this important step in establishing themselves as an independent nonprofit.  On behalf of our Board, staff, and the many clients we serve, PRC wishes Bare Chest Calendar many more years of growth and great success.”

Larry Rich, BCC’s current “Big Daddy”, the head of the organization, shares, “The Calendar provides a way for me to give back and support our community in a way that is fun and feels authentic, namely shirtless and wearing a leather vest. I am very proud to be part of this brotherhood and contribute to our 38-year legacy. As a leader in the newly formed organization, I’m excited to return to our grassroots, community-based heritage in the San Francisco Leather and Kink communities. I look forward to working with PRC and supporting their important programs for many years to come.”

We want to sincerely thank BCC for its tireless work. From all of us at PRC and the thousands of clients who have benefited from BCC’s efforts, we wish Bare Chest Calendar infinite success and longevity in their pursuit to help those in need.

To donate to Bare Chest Calendar or purchase the 2022 calendar, visit their website.

An Advocate for our Clients

Posted on by Seth Abrahamson

“It’s got to be terrifying for somebody to be sitting on the other side of the desk from me, a stranger, asking all kinds of very personal questions.

Time is of the essence with this work. If I don’t get a given item completed and filed, then it doesn’t happen for that client and there’s a penalty. I cannot let it be my failure that costs somebody else a step towards their livelihood.”

If you’re fortunate, you’ve probably never needed to apply for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits. There are mounds of paperwork, systems to understand and access, and numerous obstacles that can cause frustration and confusion. But for our clients in need of SSDI, these frustrations are heightened by life circumstances, confusing medical processes, and a fear of making mistakes that will most certainly delay the critical assistance they depend on. That’s where PRC steps in. Our Legal Advocacy team understands both sides of these situations, and they’ll do everything they can to help clients navigate this stressful process.

Liz Pickell is a Senior Benefits Advocate here at PRC, and she’s been helping people find their way through the maze of paperwork, bureaucracy, and health system processes since the late 1980’s. She’s got a special talent for making sure clients acknowledge their work-limiting conditions and how to convey the information required to medical providers and SSD, all with a personable approach and a friendly smile. We sat down with Liz recently to get to know more about her and her role.

A self-proclaimed refuge from the Deep South, Liz grew up in Alabama and earned her Master’s in Counseling at the College of William and Mary in Virginia. She quickly realized that counseling was not what that she wanted to do. Instead she preferred the tangibility of social work and transitioned into assisting HIV/AIDS patients to obtain SSD benefits. In the late 1980’s however, the AIDS pandemic was taking the lives of her clients before they could receive benefits, and this took its toll on Liz. AZT, a breakthrough drug, would eventually give those suffering from HIV/AIDS and Liz a hopeful outlook, but the medication’s side effects also added to her clients need for benefits.

After working for the Red Cross in St. Louis following the floods in 1989, Liz worked for another AIDS service organization, and then as the Director of Social Work for an Agency on Aging. A life change eventually enabled her to sell her house, then she and her Lab-Shepard mix rescue dog embarked on a year of driving across the country to explore. Having previously traveled to San Francisco, the only place hosting HIV/AIDS-focused conferences in the early years, Liz fell in love with the beauty of Northern California and the dedication of local non-profit organizations. Liz then accepted a job with United Behavioral Health in the East Bay where she assisting with mental health claims for nearly twelve years. Two and a half years ago, Liz came across a PRC job posting for an attorney. Although she’s not an attorney by trade, her skills were a perfect fit for the role. On Valentine’s Day 2019 she joined PRC’s Legal Advocacy team.

“When I read PRC’s values statement I thought: Now this I can totally get behind,” Liz exclaimed. “This resonates with me!”

When asked what prompted the change from more intensive work, Liz responded:

 “I had reached a point in my career where I was doing in-depth case management and being deeply involved in supporting someone in the broadness of their life. It was really overwhelming, and it was a lot to handle. One of my strengths is my empathy and my ability to connect with people, but my weaknesses is my lack of setting boundaries. To make a connection with clients, you have to open up on a personal level. While working for PRC, I’m able to put my energy where my ethics are. I’m focused on a narrower slice of a client’s life, so that I can maintain a heart space that helps me avoid compassion fatigue. I think that if you have the heart for this type of work, you should honor that and put yourself out there.”

So, what do you like about your role as a Senior Benefits Counselor at PRC?

“I really like what I do, I like the paperwork—I’m one of those nerdy people. I help to convey the experiences of our clients, so that Disability Analysts and Social Security doctors can understand them.  That’s my whole focus.”

How difficult is it to accurately describe an individual to Social Security?

“People who do their own applications routinely withhold information about their true lived experiences.  For example, nobody wants to say ‘I feel so bad that I can’t take a bath for 5 days sometimes,’ or ‘I can’t clean up my room or do laundry.’ There’s a sense of pride, and you want to appear to be a good patient so that you get the right care.

I ask people to tell me what it’s like on their worst days, because that’s why they need SSD. I tell them that If all of your days were your best days, you wouldn’t be talking to me. What is it that makes things not work for you? What gets in the way of your being able to hold a job? Often times people might say that they can bathe and dress without a problem, but what they don’t say is ‘I have to sit down and rest after I pull up my pants because I’m out of breath, then I have to stand up and I can button them, but it’s really hard because I have arthritis in my hands.’ Or, ‘I have to slip on my shoes because I can’t bend over and tie them.’ People don’t say those other things, sometimes it’s due to pride, and sometimes they don’t realize how they have adapted.”

How are you able to get clients to open up about their worst days?

“I let them know that I have issues too – that I live with depression. I am honest about this and sometimes share this with my clients. I ask clients the questions in a way that allows us talk about what really happens when they’re trying to get through their day. What things really look like. I let them know that I won’t shame them for their truth, and that I see them as much more than their symptoms, but that SSD only cares about documented symptoms.” I also tell clients, we’re going to be talking about things that are obstacles in your life. You’re a whole person, this is a little tiny slice of your life, talking to me is a little tiny slice, you’re telling me all of the things you’re having trouble with, I don’t see you as the obstacles.”

It seems to me that you have an amazing talent relating to people and getting them to speak to you as a friend.

“Thank you! I try to make it less intimidating, I tell them, let’s think about the SSD system as second graders, things are not necessarily understood at firsthand, so we really need to describe things in detail. I do this to make the bureaucracy feel less intimidating.”

What aspects of your job do you find most rewarding?

“There’s so much really. My colleagues here are fabulous! I get to work with so many bright, ethical human beings. People are here because they’re passionate about the work. We really work by PRC’s values. Within our department there’s a nice interplay of skills and abilities. We rely on each other’s strengths to make things work efficiently. I also like knowing that I’m able to help somebody take better care of themselves. One of the most rewarding things is to be able to give someone a voice that allows them to gain access to needed support or to advocate for themselves. This work makes me a big advocate of universal basic income, because for many people who are disabled, they are too disabled to prove they’re disabled, and that makes me angry.”

And what are the challenges of your job?

“COVID has completely changed our process for initial applications. We used to meet with people and do intakes in-person. We would do all of the paperwork, put together their application packet, tie it up nice and neat, and say, ‘take this to social security and file your application.’ Some people would take it in right away, some would not, and some would lose it, but it would be their responsibility to physically file their application. At the time of filing, Social Security Representatives would complete additional paperwork with clients.  That system created an opportunity for me to help with securing supporting documentation like medical records, talking to doctors, and writing letters of support. Now with COVID, clients aren’t able to submit their applications in person, so we worked out a process to submit the claims for the client. The natural flow of the shared process is interrupted, and creates much more paperwork on our part.”

How many clients would you say you help on average per year?

“On average we serve 1,500 clients per year, and we serve most clients for more than a year. It just depends on their case. My case load averages 50 to 60 clients, all at different levels of the process. For example; a brand-new client takes a lot of time because we have to get to know them, build trust, and learn about everywhere they are receiving care. That’s when we’re getting the most medical information together. There are multiple process however, and each of them take time. If an application is rejected, then we go through an appeals process and that alone can take a year or longer.

Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?

“I think people should be aware of how incredibly difficult it is for someone who is disabled to prove that they are disabled. It’s really hard. They have to create the evidence by getting to the doctor regularly, and feel comfortable enough with their doctor to really tell them what’s going on. That can be very hard for people.  Clients have to remember to contact me when they get something in the mail from Social Security and NOT fill out any forms on their own, especially if they’re living on the street or in a single residence occupancy (SRO). The best thing we can do is encourage people and help them to see the link between how they take care of themselves, and how that can result in some financial support so that they can have more resources that improve their quality of life. One of the most important aspects of my job is keeping communication open and helping people navigate the immense amount of paperwork.  Its very labor intensive, and it’s imperative that we make the time to focus on what it takes for them to get the benefits.”

“Lastly I would like people to know how thankful I am that PRC exists, and that it seriously lives its values.”

If you enjoyed reading about Liz and our Legal Advocacy program, keep an eye out for more PRC staff highlights in next month’s edition. You can also access past staff highlights and client stories here. Please also consider making a donation which will allow PRC to help more people find their path to a better future.

Everyone’s Got to Start Somewhere

Posted on by Seth Abrahamson

“PRC’s Next Step program is the best place for clients to get that first experience with the computer mouse, with the keys, with the screen, and gain at least these minimum skills. We’ll look after them, and we’ll keep them from running and screaming from the building in the process, or throwing the computer on the ground and stomping on it.”

So says PRC’s Computer Training Manager, Brian Whitford, a dedicated and longtime member of our workforce development team.

A native Californian, Brian has a thirst for adventure, one that led to his traveling the world after college working on a square rig sailing ship. In the early 1990’s Brian was diagnosed with HIV, prompting his decision to settle in the Bay Area.  In search of answers and assistance, Brian turned to PRC, known at that time as the AIDS Benefits Counselors (ABC), in its original Castro location. It was also around this time that Brian met his first husband, Arturo. Arturo was also diagnosed with HIV, and tragically lost his life to AIDS in 1995. Having suffered the loss of his husband while also navigating his own uncertain future, Brian relied on PRC to help him get back on his feet. His life experiences and firsthand knowledge of PRC’s services became a driving force behind Brian’s passion to help others. While working his way out of disability Brian studied web design and html training, then went on to teach that same class at the BAVC in the Mission, and then a similar course at Goodwill. In 2004, he started teaching PRC’s “Next Step” computer training program, which he’s managed for nearly seventeen years.

Next Step is a student’s first introduction or reintroduction to basic computer skills, preparing them to navigate the world of web-based apps, typing, email, online profiles, and common software operation. Over the course of one month, students attend eighteen days of three-hour computer trainings based on a state-approved curriculum. A new class begins each month with an average class size of twelve students, preparing one hundred-forty-four eager minds for the next phase of learning each year.

When Brian first started teaching Next Step, the main focus was teaching Microsoft Office and occupational skills training. Over the years the course has evolved to focus on Google’s suite of cloud-based workspace apps due to their ease of access. Brian shares that this limited scope has allowed him to become an expert at teaching basic computer skills to clients who have little or no computer knowledge, or are intimidated by technology. Because Brian has been teaching the same subject for so long, he’s developed a keen understanding of when to refine his methods to better fit each student’s individual needs.

“I like that I don’t have to be the big expert – I’m sort of the expert at teaching beginner level because I teach the same thing over and over.”

Brian has been known to lighten the mood on the first day of classes by saying “students, meet keyboard. Keyboard, meet students.” A simple joke, but when combined with his humble smile, it has a calming effect and lets the class know that Brian approaches his lessons with a sense of humor.  When asked about the goal of Next Step, he responds: 

“The main objective of the class is to meet individuals where they are and build upon that.  A lot of it is Psychology 101, as well as computer basics. Some students are quite vulnerable. You can talk to them and see that they are understanding, but it’s more important that they’re keeping up with the trainings and improving. It’s not just about the end test results. Most of my students are looking for work, while also coming out of recovery, depression, and various mental health challenges. A lot of it is just making the connection and getting them to come to class, which is no small task.”

When asked what part of the job is most rewarding, Brian doesn’t hesitate:

“The students and their personalities. We have a lot of humor and a lot of social energy to compensate for the soulless spreadsheets and software. When we’re in a group setting, it’s a mix of hands-on teaching lessons, and a support group. We relate through their goals and interests, and they are such sweet and interesting characters. Every once in a while a student will say thank you and to acknowledge their progresses, these moments really are golden.”

About the challenges of the job, Brian admits:

“There are many obstacles that prevent our students from getting to class on time. I have learned over the years that in spite of the many life challenges our students face, they do the best they can. But it takes a lot of patience, and a collaborative approach to the work to triage our interactions and offer services that are responsive to the students’ needs. As a team we make it work. Sometimes people stop attending classes midway through and but then return the next month—and we accept them back. This is what differentiates us from similar programs that require fulltime attendance. I wish we had more resources and more staff with similar skill sets as my colleagues Tomas and Jerry who have such a talent for calming our students’ self-doubts.

“Another challenge occurred during the pandemic when we had to pivot from in-person group trainings to individual home visits and virtual learning sessions. We used our food-related funds to buy computers for our students that they could take home with them, which was extremely beneficial.  We taught our students how to access email and navigate Zoom before we could start teaching them remotely and that was incredibly challenging since the class is designed to teach the basics of using a computer. Unreliable internet was also a challenge for many of the students, which disrupted their learning. Our folks already have so much working against them. But we work really hard to always get through challenges—it’s a lot!”

Once a student finishes the Next Step course, they receive a Certificate of Completion, and they can advance to PRC’s next offered course, “Step Up,” which teaches administrative and clerical skills for the workplace. Students then have the option to enroll in “Lift Up SF” a peer-to-peer training pathway that prepares participants with lived experience for jobs in community health settings. Through it all, students gain not only basic computer literacy, but confidence, a community, and a support system

Brian has helped thousands of PRC’s clients over the years to become comfortable using a computer. His main hope is that each student leaves his course better prepared to navigate the myriad of challenges that lie ahead in their pursuit of a better future. 

If you enjoyed reading about Brian and the Next Steps program, keep an eye out for future profiles of PRC staff and see PRC stories on our blog. You can also support this work by making a donation at prcsf.org/donate. 

PRC Honors the Life of Ambassador James C. Hormel, Pioneer and Champion

Posted on by Seth Abrahamson

On behalf of PRC’s Board, Staff, Volunteers and Clients, we want to take a moment to honor the life and acknowledge the recent passing of Ambassador James C. Hormel. Ambassador Hormel has been a fierce advocate, activist and philanthropist for decades. Many of us have come to know him for his abiding and tenacious desire to love and understand humanity. He was fearless in his quest to live as his most authentic self. For those of us who understand and appreciate the journey and hardship it takes to live such a life, we know that to do so takes immense courage. That courage led Ambassador Hormel to participate in, and lead some of the most consequential conversations of our time, while holding some of the most important and influential positions. His ability to engage in philanthropy in such significant ways, benefited countless individuals.

At critical times throughout PRC’s history, Ambassador Hormel stepped in to provide significant support that allowed for the agency to expand and deepen its essential services for San Francisco’s most vulnerable populations. His consistent presence, steadfast concern, and the way in which he leaned into PRC with his philanthropy, allowed us to maintain our services during difficult times, and to thrive and expand during better times. Ambassador Hormel and Michael’s major gift to PRC’s ElevateSF comprehensive campaign was absolutely transformational for the agency, permitting us to integrate our services under one roof, become more sustainable, and better serve our clients’ needs. We are deeply grateful for Ambassador Hormel’s incredibly significant impact on PRC as an agency and the work we do on a daily basis.

Upon reflection, PRC’s CEO, Brett Andrews, states, “Jim is among one of my closest and dearest friends in San Francisco. His attentiveness, passion, and care for the community is unmatched. Few people knew that Jim had an incredibly wicked sense of humor, which spoke to the depth of his intellect. I will miss our dinners, our periodic rides up North and the countless ways in which I felt so uplifted and inspired by his magnificent spirit.” PRC Board Member Kent Roger also asserts, “Our CEO Brett Andrews lost a dear personal friend, PRC has lost a tireless benefactor and our community has lost a pioneer and champion. Jim’s book provided instrumental guidance to my coming out journey. We are poorer for his passing but so much richer for his having chosen San Francisco to make his indelible mark.”

We send our deepest condolences to his beloved spouse Michael P. N. Hormel, the entire Hormel family, and all who had the pleasure of being in Ambassador Hormel’s powerful presence. He will be profoundly missed and forever remembered.

“I’m really grateful to be a part of PRC.”

Posted on by Seth Abrahamson

Troy has had six hip replacements, both shoulders replaced, both knees replaced, three neck surgeries, two back surgeries, a blood clot in his left calf, and severe arthritis in his right foot, ankles, hands, and most recently his neck and shoulders. Some days it feels like it’s enough just to keep his body together but that’s not enough for Troy.

“I have been fundraising since I was five years old. I wanted to be the king at my school and so I had to fundraise. My mother told me if I wanted to do it, I had to get out there and help. So I did and I’ve been doing it ever since.” Troy’s work ethic, positive attitude, sense of gratitude, and spirit of giving back are extraordinary. And he’s grateful for and determined to give back to PRC.

How did this all begin? In 1999, when Troy had only been living in San Francisco for a short time, he got really sick and landed in the hospital with Pneumocystis Pneumonia. He was in a coma for two months. The doctors didn’t think he’d make it but he did.

“It’s been a long recovery, and it’s still ongoing. The very drug that is keeping me alive is also deteriorating the majority of my joints. Some days the pain is unreal.” Troy’s condition has made it impossible for him to work. Sometimes it takes three hours simply to get dressed in the morning. But he pushes through it.

“My mother always said: only the strong survive.” Troy is grateful he has what he needs: a home, food, healthcare. Over the years, when Troy couldn’t make ends meet, he received help from what was then known as AIDS Emergency Fund, now PRC’s Emergency Financial Assistance program.

Troy has also taken numerous PRC classes over the years to learn the ins and outs of insurance and receiving disability, as well as employment training, even earning his notary public license. Most recently, he took part in the LiftUP SF peer training program for community health workers. Troy found the experience to be eye-opening. “The focus on learning how to be patient and how to listen, to really hear someone completely through before responding and to be thoughtful about your response: it can be daunting but it was a good challenge.”

For all the assistance Troy has received, he gives back even more. He does a remarkable amount of volunteering, including maintaining his AIDS Walk “star walker” status of fundraisers of $1,000 and more, on PRC’s team for a truly impressive 20 years. Troy also serves on the advisory board of Project Homeless Connect and manages their Reading Glasses Program. He can often be spotted handing out sandwiches to those less fortunate in his neighborhood, with a smile, a hand shake, and words of encouragement.

“People see me out smiling even though it’s been a challenge to get around with my body falling apart. But I’m here, and that’s the good part. With LiftUP, I now have the tools to work with people on the streets, to ask what they need.” Recalling one recent instance in which Troy brought reading glasses to a man who was struggling, Troy describes how the man’s face lit up. “Knowing that I did that, that I have everything I need, so if someone else needs something, I can help.”

Troy would like to do something on a larger scale, to reach people who don’t access help easily. He’s still figuring out what that is. “But LiftUP has given me the tools to do that, hopefully in a better way.”

Troy describes how PRC was a really big catalyst to getting him to where he is now. “We don’t have a lot of agencies that deal with AIDS and give people with it a chance to be in the world in a positive way. PRC: they guide people really well, and I’m really grateful they’re here.”

You can help guide individuals like Troy to do positive in the world. Consider making a donation to support PRC.

Hummingbird Valencia Opens in San Francisco’s Mission District

Posted on by Seth Abrahamson

On Tuesday, May 18th, Hummingbird Valencia opened its doors to San Francisco adult residents experiencing homelessness, mental health crises and substance use disorders. Based on the success of its predecessor, Hummingbird Potrero, the Valencia respite center will be a vital resource to help the City’s most vulnerable on a path to a better future.

                “PRC’s Hummingbird centers are an essential step in San Francisco’s spectrum of behavioral health and substance use services. We provide a proven, cost-effective alternative to Emergency Room care,” said Brett Andrews, CEO of PRC. “PRC is grateful to partner with the Mayor and Supervisor Mandelman, the SF Department of Public Health, and our community partners Tipping Point and the Salvation Army to expand the availability of these critical services to our most vulnerable citizens at a time of such profound need.”           

An estimated 8,000 – 10,000 people experience homelessness in San Francisco on any given night, and thousands more live with mental struggles, many times in combination with substance addiction. The pandemic we’ve all experienced over the past fourteen months has certainly increased the severity of the situation, shining a spotlight on the ever-growing need for support systems and sustainable solutions. PRC is on the front lines taking the initiative to increase the number of these resources, making them available to the city’s most vulnerable populations.

At the inaugural Hummingbird Potrero, located on the Zuckerberg SFGH campus and operated by PRC; nonviolent individuals experiencing acute mental distress are assessed and cared for by the experienced counselors and staff instead of being hospitalized. This approach allows a person in distress to engage and stabilize in a home like environment, surrounded by professionals that are looking at, and beyond the moment of each individual situation. We know that mental distress is the result of a combination of life experiences and traumas, and simply addressing the symptoms will not provide a full or lasting recovery. The first step is to help comfort each individual and work to gain their trust, only then can the true work begin. As staff learn about each person and their unique situation, they also teach them how to communicate their personal needs, and instill a desire for self-advocacy.  Each seemingly small step builds more trust allowing for care plans to develop, and for the individuals to accept, and more importantly, believe that additional help is available if they choose to take it.  

Hummingbird services are guided by lived experiences and many of our programs employ graduates from the same development and recovery programs that they now support. When proof of a successful system is provided in the form of someone that’s been through it, and is now here to help others through it, those shared experiences build powerful connections that last a lifetime. They also provide an example and a desire for individuals take ownership of their future.   

Laundry facilities, Lounge, bathrooms and sleeping quarters at Hummingbird Valencia | Photo Credit: Heidi Alletzhauser

Clients are referred to Hummingbird Valencia from urgent care providers or by street teams including the Homeless Outreach Team (HOT), the City’s new Street Crisis Response Team, and the Department of Public Health’s Street Medicine and Comprehensive Crisis Services. Once at a hummingbird site, individuals have access to food, showers, clothing, laundry facilities, counseling services, and a place to rest. The hummingbird program provides connections to a wide range of services including detox and residential programs, transportation to medical services, self-care and job training opportunities, assistance with obtaining an ID, or help reconnecting individuals with their family.

Individuals are free to leave and many do, but many also return and give it another go. This was the inspiration of one hummingbird client when they were asked to participate in naming the respite center. “The hummingbird’s presence may not last long, but while it is here, it does transformative and lasting work.”  The road to recovery is rarely a once and done experience and we understand that it’s likely going to take a few tries including a few steps back as part of the progress. It’s important however to celebrate the wins, eliminate the stigma from the slip ups, and encourage each person to try again no matter how many times it takes. Judgement free support is what clients receive while at a hummingbird center and this stays true while clients access any of PRC’s extended programs.  

Since 2017 the Hummingbird program at Zuckerberg SFGH has served more than 1,000 overnight clients and more than 12,000 day guest visits. The freestanding Hummingbird Valencia location will reach its full capacity of 30 overnight beds and an additional 20 daytime guest capacity once all pandemic related restrictions are removed.

The average length of stay at a hummingbird center ranges from a couple of nights to a couple of weeks, Couples are able to access services at the facility together, and day time services are also available for those who need access.  

“I’m proud that District 8 will be home to the first-ever community-based Hummingbird Navigation Center,” said Supervisor Mandelman. “The Valencia location will provide shelter, supportive services, and a path to stability and wellness for unhoused people struggling with mental illness and substance use. These beds represent one more step toward meeting the City’s acute need for exits from the streets, emergency rooms and jail for unhoused people with behavioral health needs. The Hummingbird model is a proven concept that can make a real difference in the crisis on our streets, and we need many more of them.”

Hummingbird Valencia Rear Entrance | Photo Credit Heidi Alletzhauser

“It’s important because these are actual human lives that hang in the balance. For me, going to PRC was a matter of life and death.”

Posted on by Seth Abrahamson

Anthony went through a few different substance use programs but didn’t get the care and attention he needed for his recovery journey until he came to PRC’s Ferguson Place, and Acceptance Place. There he found a structure that allowed him to grow in a way he didn’t think possible.

What was it that made such a difference?

“It was more like communal living. You’re in this house with people learning how to co-exist, learning those basic skills: how to live with others and maintain harmony, pull your weight, cook dinner together and take care of the place together. It presented challenges, and that’s where the growth came from. You’re learning to navigate these challenges with support of the staff. There will be conflict wherever you go. It’s about the way they were able to help.”

Anthony also had the opportunity to get connected to the right doctors and mental health treatment. This was a game changer. From there, Anthony entered PRC’s Co-op Transitional Housing. It took a few tries of going in, relapsing, and starting over. What changed was the accountability that PRC requires. For the first six months, Anthony attended support groups. He had a case manager to check in with and was living with people going through the same thing.

“It gave me a reason to get up. Even when I had a slip, my case manager was there to support me and hold me up when I was shaky.”

Now Anthony is working a full-time job for the first time in five years. He’s crawling out of debt. There are so many components that need to be worked on that get caught up in the shuffle: credit, health, longtime effects.

“Out of all the different programs I tried, there was so much love and care on the part of the PRC staff in every department. That care, that empathy really does something for somebody. The people at PRC are really great. It’s important because these are actual human lives that hang in the balance. For me, going to PRC was a matter of life and death. This is a service that people really need. It’s important to know how life changing and important it is.”

For the first time in years, Anthony is able to have healthy relationships. He’s able to have boundaries and connect with people in a healthier way. There was a lot of social reconstruction.

“As I develop more independence and become more solid, I’m able to have more freedom. I had to get to a certain point where I was ready to work. They guided me and opened up this possibility.”

You can help guide individuals like Anthony to do positive in the world. Consider making a donation to support PRC.

“When I know of other people struggling, I let them know about PRC.”

Posted on by Seth Abrahamson

Sonia was a healthy mother of five when one day a piece of candy got stuck in her throat and changed her life forever. The cuts she incurred prompted a visit to a specialist that was inconclusive. However, when Sonia couldn’t eat and began dramatically losing weight, she advocated for an MRI that showed she had an aneurism, a bulge, like a bubble, caused by a weak spot on a blood vessel wall in her brain. It was unrelated to the throat lacerations but would have gone undetected and untreated if not for that fateful piece of candy.

This accidental finding after a year and a half of physical suffering led to brain surgery that ultimately saved Sonia’s life. Along the way, Sonia has experienced debilitating pain in her digestive tract, swollen nerves, even temporary blindness, all traced to the condition in her brain, making it impossible for her to work. As a single mother, Sonia faced a lot of financial pressure and stress, which exacerbated her pain. “I felt like I was in a hole, stuck financially and health-wise, with no way out. I felt like I was going to die.” Sonia needed help. That’s when she was referred to PRC.

Sonia sought the help of PRC’s Legal Services team to help her apply for public disability benefits, known as Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Sonia’s legal advocate helped her to understand the application process. Sonia felt that things were going to be okay. Still, Sonia was initially denied based on her written application due to the nature of her unusual disability. When Sonia finally got her day in court and was able to be seen by a judge in person, the judge was surprised Sonia was able to physically be present in court given the severity of her condition. Finally, Sonia felt like she was in the right place at the right time with the right people. Her application was approved.

Sonia still experiences severe pain but the social security assistance has helped tremendously. She explains, “When I secured social security, there was such relief that even though I was still in pain, the bills were going to get paid. I started feeling better. It’s made me feel better in every way. I don’t have all that stress, which has allowed me to focus on my health.” Sonia has learned so much since then about how to adapt to her condition, how to mitigate stress, and how to use different therapies to manage her pain. She’s finally able to concentrate on trying to get better.

Sonia recently started a part-time job two days a week doing payroll. She wants to do more but knows her body’s limits. She can’t lift things and has to take frequent breaks but working has also helped her feel better in that she’s starting to live her life again and take steps toward being the independent woman she once was.

Thanks to PRC’s assistance securing social security, Sonia has been able to move out on her own with her daughter. She’s been able to work toward her goals, in the short term continuing to get better physically, and in the long term go back to school to become a nurse practitioner or a lawyer, clearly influenced by her personal health and legal experiences. She still has to be careful about the level of stress in her life but she’s been able to recuperate both physically and emotionally little by little.

Sonia is one of thousands who annually take advantage of PRC’s Legal Advocacy program to gain access to income and healthcare necessary for stable housing and improved health outcomes. This program was the first service provided by PRC, formed in 1987 as AIDS Benefits Counselors in direct response to the AIDS epidemic to help those affected by HIV to navigate their way through a purposely cumbersome process to get the disability benefits they deserved. The program has grown tremendously over the years but maintains its commitment to providing legal services, using a harm reduction model, to the most vulnerable populations in the community, including homeless, non-English speaking, active drug-using, and other marginalized individuals.

Sonia refers others to PRC constantly and sees her role as a bridge between others and PRC. “When I first came to PRC, I was really struggling, health-wise and financially. When I know of other people struggling, I let them know about PRC.”

You can help guide individuals like Sonia to do positive in the world. Consider making a donation to support PRC.

“Your donation to PRC will change lives. It changed mine.”

Posted on by Seth Abrahamson

Calvin first learned about PRC during a chance meeting with PRC Employment Specialist Lauren Vega while volunteering at the Castro Country Club, a clean and sober gathering place for the LGBTQ recovery community. Lauren had been seeing clients there and suggested PRC’s LiftUp SF career pathway training program to Calvin. A big believer in things happening for a reason, Calvin decided to give it a shot. He’s so glad he did.

Calvin had previously worked in kitchens in the restaurant industry. He loves cooking and wanted to be his own boss. But a drug addiction interrupted that. Calvin had a whole year of sobriety but after COVID hit, he relapsed into alcohol. He needed a change so he got a sponsor and entered a 12-step program. That’s when he met Lauren.

With Lauren’s encouragement, Calvin enrolled in LiftUp SF. Part of our Workforce Development program, LiftUP SF was created specifically for people like Calvin with what we call “lived experience” – those with a real world understanding of mental health and substance use treatment settings – to train for jobs as peer health professionals in community and public health settings.

Over the course of the four-week, 64-hour program, Calvin learned a lot about the different behavior patterns of addicts. He saw these reflected in his own past and present behavior and, more importantly, learned how to interrupt these patterns. Calvin discovered a new outlook and a new outlet to express his own struggles. He learned how to put the person in need first, but also about self-care and setting boundaries.

Calvin learned how to communicate better, which was important because when he was using drugs, his people skills had deteriorated. He learned how to listen to the person, not just the problem, and how to talk to people without condescension, a big shift from when Calvin had previously done things out of spite or just to get a reaction. Calvin considers himself a compassionate person. However, “there were a lot of aha moments, when I saw that what I’d been doing wasn’t good.”

“It really changed my life. Having the opportunity to immerse myself in a different field of work and really understand how addicts work, it’s changed my sense of everything.” Calvin explains. Following the training, Calvin began working at PRC’s Hummingbird Place, a psychiatric respite program and navigation center where people in distress have an alternative to the emergency room for stabilization, linkage to social services, and referral to longer-term treatment and recovery.

“My income has increased. I have a job. I have a place where I pay rent. I am learning new things about myself by interacting with peers. I am confident in my work. The peer to peer training helped me to put myself out there. It brought me back to life. I can make change in other people’s lives at Hummingbird. One client said, ‘You are the nicest counselor I’ve ever met here at Hummingbird.’ This brought me fulfillment. I have an impact. With the help and guidance of PRC and LiftUp, it was possible for me to get a different outlook on life. There are people who have it worse than I do.”

“The job is helping me, in a sense, learn who Calvin really is, what my boundaries are, and what makes me happy. I can now analyze my feelings before I react and think about the consequences.” Calvin finds himself pinpointing in others behaviors that he had himself in the past, which allows him to reassess himself on a daily basis. Calvin shares that there are clients who need attention constantly, and his own experience allows him to be more compassionate toward them and toward himself. It’s allowed him to look back at trauma from his childhood in a new light and rediscover himself and live a more normal life.

Calvin shares that PRC impacted him because he had to do the hard work to discover why he feels a certain way. Every day is a learning opportunity. Previously he always said yes to avoid conflict, then felt anger, and then shut down. The job at Hummingbird has allowed him to embrace the emotions that his clients are deflecting. He’s learned to not take it personally. The job is helping him move on with his life. His clients are prime examples of where he doesn’t want to be again. They motivate his continued recovery. Calvin just celebrated two years sober, and he knows he’s looked up to by his peers who see a real change.

Right now, Calvin is just taking it one day at a time. He’s still madly in love with food, which he calls his therapy. “Food will always have a special place in my heart but mental health is also fulfilling. Mental health is important, especially in San Francisco, especially in the gay community. I see a lot of individuals who don’t know how to navigate their own feelings. Your support will help people like me help people like them, to know they’re thought of, that people do want to help them. Your donation to PRC will change lives. It changed mine.”

Your support of PRC’s programs like LiftUp SF is changing lives like Calvin’s, and training a new generation of community health workers to help others. To help guide individuals like Calvin to do positive in the world, please consider making a donation to support PRC.