Executive Summary

Together We Stand (TWS) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting social justice, racial equality, and equity through a holistic approach. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, TWS has played a pivotal role as family advocates, addressing cases of discrimination in education and incidents of police brutality across numerous states. Our mission extends to empowering underserved communities of color by providing opportunities for youth leadership development through arts, education, cultural programs, and addressing critical issues such as housing and mental health.

The Together We Stand – Department of MACH (Mutual Aid & Community Health) is committed to empowering and supporting adolescents, adults, families, and individuals experiencing homelessness through a comprehensive network of Mutual Aid, Street Medicine, Harm Reduction, Substance Use Treatment, and Behavioral Health Services in the Bay Area. Our mission is to provide compassionate, high-quality, and accessible care that prioritizes dignity, well-being, and harm reduction, ensuring that our services are inclusive and responsive to the needs of our community.

Through street-based outreach, crisis intervention, education, and care coordination, we deliver mental health support, substance use treatment navigation, overdose prevention, harm reduction supplies, and essential social services. Our Street Medicine Team and Event Safety Team provide direct medical and wellness support in underserved areas and at public gatherings, while our syringe exchange, naloxone distribution, and drug education programs work to mitigate health risks associated with substance use. Additionally, we offer case management, public benefits assistance, and referral to specialized treatment and behavioral health services to ensure long-term stability and care.

By addressing both immediate and long-term health needs, Together We Stand – Department of MACH aims to build a stronger, healthier community through advocacy, education, and direct services, reducing harm and bridging critical gaps in healthcare access.

Mission Statement
The Together We Stand – Department of MACH is dedicated to empowering and uplifting adolescents, adults, families, and individuals experiencing homelessness through compassionate, comprehensive care. We are committed to fostering a safe, inclusive environment where every person is treated with dignity and respect. Our specialized services in mental health, substance use, and harm reduction are designed to be accessible to all, ensuring equitable support. Through education, outreach, and advocacy, we strive to reduce harm, break barriers to care, and build a healthier, more resilient community.

Vision Statement
We envision a society where every individual has access to the resources and support they need to thrive—free from stigma, systemic barriers, and discrimination. By fostering a culture of mutual aid, compassion, and empowerment, we aspire to create lasting change, strengthening individuals, families, and communities for a brighter, more just future.

Objectives

1. Expand Access to Comprehensive Care: Provide Mutual Aid, Street Medicine, Harm Reduction, Substance Use Treatment, and Behavioral Health Services to adolescents, adults, families, and individuals experiencing homelessness across the Bay Area.

2. Enhance Mental Health and Substance Use Support: Offer Mental Health Case Management, Psychoeducation, Crisis Intervention, and referrals to specialized treatment to ensure individuals receive the necessary support for long-term stability.

3. Strengthen Harm Reduction Efforts: Reduce the health risks associated with substance use by distributing naloxone, fentanyl test strips, and harm reduction supplies, while promoting education on overdose prevention and safer substance use practices.

4. Improve Street-Based and Crisis Outreach: Deploy Street Medicine and Event Safety Teams to provide immediate medical care, wellness support, and harm reduction services to underserved and at-risk populations, including during protests, marches, and community events.

5. Facilitate Access to Social and Public Benefits: Assist individuals in applying for and managing Medicaid, Medicare, Food Stamps, General Assistance (GA), and Disability, ensuring financial and healthcare stability.

6. Promote Community Education and Awareness: Provide substance use and mental health education, prevention programs, and outreach initiatives to reduce stigma and encourage informed decision-making.

7. Ensure Holistic Case Management and Care Coordination: Tailor support services, referrals, and follow-ups to each individual’s unique needs, ensuring they receive consistent and effective care.

8. Build a Stronger, Healthier Community: Advocate for equity in healthcare access, harm reduction policies, and the dignity and well-being of all individuals, fostering resilience and long-term wellness within the community.

Objectives

1. Comprehensive & Inclusive Care: Providing high-quality, accessible, and compassionate services that address mental health, substance use, harm reduction, and social determinants of health for diverse and underserved populations.

2. Harm Reduction & Public Health Advocacy: Prioritizing overdose prevention, syringe exchange, naloxone distribution, and drug education to reduce health risks and promote safer, informed choices within the community.

3. Street-Based & Crisis Response Services: Deploying Street Medicine Teams and Event Safety Teams to offer on-the-ground support, emergency medical care, and harm reduction interventions to individuals experiencing homelessness or in crisis.

4. Strong Case Management & Care Coordination: Ensuring seamless referrals, follow-ups, and tailored support for individuals seeking mental health, substance use treatment, or social services.

5. Community Outreach & Education: Reducing stigma and increasing awareness through mental health psychoeducation, substance use prevention programs, and harm reduction training.

6. Collaboration & Partnerships: Strengthening alliances with healthcare providers, social service agencies, harm reduction organizations, and community groups to expand resources and improve care accessibility.