Saying that the Tenderloin is "home" to many would be an oxymoron in the face of the thousands of homeless who dwell there. Although the Tenderloin, or TL for short, has the highest concentration of low-income housing in the city, as well as more shelters than any other neighborhood in San Francisco, it is not enough to meet the need. Many of those who can afford housing in the TL include the elderly, living on Social Security or Government Assistance, low-income families, sharing one-bedroom or studio apartments and immigrants looking for a chance to start over. Drug addiction, alcoholism, and prostitution can all be found among the people living on the streets, but you can also find a strong sense of community unlike any other. Many of the homeless in the community are addicted to drugs, but often times that is not the reason why they became homeless. For each person the story is different, and for each person it's a story worth listening to.

Ellis Room

We open our doors from 9:30-4:30 every weekday, as a drop-in-center where people can read, play games, get something to drink, or just sit and relax. We also offer prayer and a database of resources to aid those who are in difficult circumstances, whether they need housing, clothes, medical attention, food or various other basic necessities. We also distribute socks, basic toiletries and clothes to those in need.

Life Group

Life Group is open to everyone and is on every Wednesday from 10:00-12:00. It is a time to make new friends and welcome them into our community. Life Group includes a Bible study, some snacks, games and good company! It is very simple but we've found that with reaching the community, simplicity often works best.

Food Pantry

Every Thursday afternoon, we host a neighborhood Food Pantry that is sponsored by the San Francisco Food Bank. The Food Pantry is open from 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm and offers free groceries to residents of the Tenderloin, and includes a number of choices of fresh produce, as well as canned goods and bread. We are proud to offer a helping hand to our neighbors who struggle to make ends meet each week and also restore hope to our community.

Block Party

Four times a year, YWAM San Francisco rents out Boedekker Park, located at Eddy and Jones, right behind our Ellis Street facility.  We do this as a way to bless our neighbors in the Tenderloin.  We provide free food, clothing, live music, a children's play area, a prayer table and various other resources.

To put on a good block party, we need the help of individuals, churches and groups.  If you are intersted in helping out, please contact our office at: (415) 885-6543 or e-mail us: This E-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

It was a challenging summer through which God showed me what it truly means to love and serve others.