North Beach Citizens

Community opportunity reintegration empowerment (c.o.r.e. )the c.o.r.e. Program is geared exclusively towards chronically homeless and low-income individuals and helps clients reach individualized benchmarks on their journey towards stability. While in the c.o.r.e. Program, clients receive assistance in applying for public benefits that can help them with their medical and financial needs. They have access to stabilization housing when appropriate and available, receive advocacy and assistance in identifying and securing leases for permanent, affordable housing. They are linked with organizations that can help them with their employment training needs and receive nutritional support through daily community meals and our weekly community food pantry. Transportation to and from appointments is provided.

Street beautification program (sbp)an incentive based back-to-work training program, this helps the homeless Citizens of North Beach move off the streets and become more self-sufficient. Participantsreceive a monetary stipend for their work of beautifying and maintaining theunder-serviced streets, parks and common areas of North Beach. The project placesvolunteers in a public space, performing public services which enable them tocomfortably engage and be engaged by their fellow community members. The sbpaddresses the needs of North Beach merchants and residents by providing them withfree beautification services. Sbp volunteers ensure the preservation of cultural andcity landmarks, such as Washington square park and joe dimaggio playground, and high-traffic areas that otherwise might not be sufficiently maintained by thedepartment of public works (dpw). Program volunteers also work to make public spacescleaner and healthier by alerting dpw of any illegal dumping or graffiti.

Housing assistanceone housing assistance program helps prevent and fight homelessness by offering funds for eviction prevention, move-in costs, emergency interim housing, and transitional housing. Emergency interim housing is provided for clients who areexperiencing emergency hardship. Single room occupancy hotels (sros) are reservedfor clients who have been discharged from an institution with no immediate plan andneed shelter. Transitional housing in an sro is offered to clients who have adefinitive housing opportunity and income source within a foreseeable timeframe.nearly 68% of our clients will qualify for social security disability insurance orsupplemental security income due to their disabilities. However, nearly 70% ofinitial claims are denied. The entire appeal process can stretch out for more thantwo years, and perhaps as long as three. Our transitional housing program ensuresthat these individuals do not have to live on the streets while they are waiting fortheir benefits and permanent housing.