No group has been harder hit by COVID-19 than the homeless. As many as two-thirds of those previously housed in San Francisco shelters have been turned away to prevent the spread of the deadly virus. At the same time, the economic devastation brought on by the pandemic threatens to un-house many more San Francisco residents.

Most of those living on Richmond District streets were previously housed in the neighborhood. Financial hardships forced them from their homes and a lack of shelter space has left them with few options.

The Richmond Review, Richmond District Rising (RDR) and the Planning Association of the Richmond (PAR) are joining with Project Homeless Connect to bring desperately needed supplies to un-housed people in the neighborhood. The items collected will be distributed by Project Homeless Connect’s CareVan, which comes to the Richmond each month.

Project Homeless Connect was formed in 2004 by then-Mayor Gavin Newsom and the San Francisco Department of Public Health to bring necessary services to people experiencing homelessness in San Francisco. In July 2020, Project Homeless Connect became a program of Community Initiatives, a non-profit organization. It serves more than 6,000 people each year, offering homeless people a wide array of services, including medical care and job-seeking help.

Established in 1971, PAR is San Francisco’s largest membership-based neighborhood organization, working on quality-of-life issues in the Richmond. RDR is a civic engagement organization formed after the 2016 elections, focusing on racial, economic and environmental justice.

“During these difficult times, I am thankful for our community coming together to help those who have been hit especially hard by the pandemic,” said District One Supervisor Connie Chan. “I’m so proud that our Richmond District neighbors and community groups are putting their compassion into action, stepping up and hosting monthly clothing donations for our neighbors in need.”

The following is a list of needed items. To arrange a drop off, email SFRichmondRising@gmail.com.

Backpacks. Adult or camping-sized in new or gently used, and fully-functioning condition.

Phone chargers. Compatible with Androids and iPhones, or for laptops and tablets in new or gently used, and fully functioning condition.

Socks. Adult sizes in unused condition.

Sleeping bags. Gently used, clean and in fully-functioning condition.

Personal hygiene items. Unused and unopened travel-sized containers. Soap, shampoo, lotion, deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste, combs, conditioner, razors, and wet wipes.

Winter gear. Blankets, beanies, gloves and hand warmers. Rain ponchos, jackets and hoodies in adult sizes medium to XL.

T-shirts. Adult sizes large to XXL.

Underwear. For women in adult sizes medium and large; for men in adult sizes large to XXL.

Monetary donations are also being accepted. Checks payable to “Community Initiatives,” with “Project Homeless Connect” and “RDR” or “PAR” in the memo line, should be sent to the following address:

Community Initiatives

1000 Broadway, Suite #480

Oakland, CA 94607

Project Homeless Connect also accepts donations electronically at https://projecthomelessconnect.wedid.it/ Please note “RDR” or “PAR” in the message line.