The St. Vincent de Paul Society of San Francisco (SVDP-SF) has expanded its operation of the city’s Division Circle Navigation Center in Memory of Brian Quinn located at 224 S. Van Ness Ave. Division Circle had offered safe and clean emergency sleeping accommodations for 125 homeless adults each night, but has now expanded to a total of 185.

In coordination with the San Francisco Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing (HSH) and other city departments and agencies, SVDP-SF uses a harm reduction model and provides emergency and operational services, as well as case management for clients.

“As a long standing nonprofit service provider, St. Vincent de Paul is happy to support the Mayor and her initiative to increase beds for those who are unhoused and most vulnerable,” said SVDP-SF executive director Shari Wooldridge. “Our mission has always been to bring back the humanity, dignity and self-respect to any one in need. Today, we are able to provide another 60 beds for those who are looking to heal and move in a different direction with their lives.”

Division Circle Navigation Center provides time limited stays for clients. Staff develop plans to connect clients to key city services and benefits. Clients working with Navigation Center and Coordinated Entry staff may be able to extend their stay to 60 days if space permits. The center generally offers 7 day emergency intakes of individual clients at all times, based on approved protocols and referral sources.

The low-barrier features of the center provide the capacity for clients to shelter with their partners, their pets, and store their possessions on site. The navigation center offers intake assessments within the first 48 hours of clients checking in for benefits when needed; service plans for the period of stay with short term “next steps”; wellness checks as necessary; coordination and scheduling with collaborating service partners to provide more supportive services to clients as needed during their stay.

In 1991, SVDP-SF began working with the City’s homeless population operating the Multi-Service Center South, San Francisco’s largest and most extensive homeless shelter that includes a 24-hour resource and drop in center. SVDP-SF also provides services to survivors of domestic violence though it’s Riley Center Program, which provides emergency and transitional housing to survivors among other vital services.

About the St. Vincent de Paul Society of San Francisco

The St. Vincent de Paul Society of San Francisco was established in 1860 on a simple principle: assist those who need help the most. The organization’s mission is to offer hope and service on a direct person-to-person basis, working to break the cycles of homelessness and domestic violence. SVDP-SF provides safety-net services to individuals and families who struggle to meet their basic needs. One hundred percent of clients are without shelter and rely on our programs to regain stability and self-sufficiency. For more information contact either Shari Wooldridge at 415-757-6568 Executive Director, Lisa Devitt Handley at 415-757-6560 Development Director or the website at www.svdp-sf.org.