Night Ministry is adapting to the crisis of homelessness by meeting the needs of our neighbors at night, both physical and spiritual. Physically, people living outside are more likely to have dermatological problems, infections from simple cuts, functional limitation, seizures, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, foot pain, and decayed teeth. Many hospitalizations and deaths are preventable with basic hygiene. Spiritually, there is a crisis of hope on the streets and a crisis of human connection between the privileged and less fortunate members of our community.

Our Community Night Walks address both physical and spiritual needs. We have partnered with Simply the Basics to distribute hygiene kits to people outside at night, many of whom are nocturnal and do not otherwise access daytime services. We also received a grant of hygiene supplies from Thrivent Financial. We also partner with Bombas to distribute donations of heavy-duty socks. Volunteers can assemble kits, or distribute pre-assembled kits, or make any other basic needs offering appropriate to the volunteer group doing the Community Night Walk.

The walks also provide opportunities for care and connection. We seek to humanize folks on the streets at night and increase the awareness of more economically secure San Franciscans. The walks facilitate inter-class connections around our common human needs, hopes, and dreams, while also providing critical basic needs to folks in need.