Program Description

Program/Practice Description: TIHDI provides 176 permanent family units sponsored by Catholic Charities Catholic Youth Organization (CYO), Community Housing Partnership, and Rubicon Programs. In addition, through Swords to Plowshares, and Walden House, TIHDI provides 74 transitional housing units to individuals needing substance abuse and mental health treatment, as well as ex-offenders.

Background/Program History: A naval station since the beginning of World War II, Treasure Island was decommissioned in 1997 and is managed by San Francisco until it is officially transferred. Federal law mandated that a homeless service component be part of the reuse plan for any closing military base. In June 1994, more than 20 homeless service and advocacy organizations collaborated to create TIHDI. The homeless assistance plan that was approved by the San Francisco Board of Supervisors and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in 1996 included specific opportunities for housing, services, employment, and economic development for homeless and low-income San Franciscans.

Innovations and Results: Through the partnership with Haight Ashbury Free Clinics, transitional housing units are made available to individuals seeking substance abuse treatment on Treasure Island. Western Addiction Recovery House provides substance abuse treatment for African-American men, including those who are HIV positive. Western Addiction provides intake, assessment, counseling, substance abuse education, HIV education and prevention, treatment groups, parenting classes, and aftercare. Smith House is a residential treatment facility for women seeking help to recover from addiction. Case management and relapse prevention groups are provided. Smith Ryan Detox is a residential treatment facility for women who are HIV positive and seeking treatment for addiction. The Center for Recovery assists homeless individuals with a dual diagnosis of substance abuse and mental illness. Walden House provides behavioral health and human services, specializing in substance abuse treatment to female nonviolent ex-offenders. In addition to case management, mental health, and supportive services, Walden House offers GED, remedial education, and vocational education classes. Catholic Charities CYO provides programs and services for over 70,000 people in need. The Shelter Plus Care program operated by Catholic Charities CYO is designed to place families who have had recurring episodes of homelessness into permanent housing on Treasure Island. Families receive housing subsidies, supportive services, and connections to mainstream services that help sustain long-term housing and self-sufficiency. Each family is assigned a case manager to help families stay housed and move toward self-sufficiency with parenting, job skills, employment, education, and life skills classes. A client-driven service plan is developed for each family.

In addition, TIHDI plays a lead role in developing community resources that are available for all Treasure Island residents. These have included advocating for increased transportation services; advocating for and coordinating recreation opportunities for youth and adults; recruiting and supporting children and youth programs and services, such as the Boys and Girls Clubs; developing a neighborhood food pantry and support groups; and coordinating community meetings and events. TIHDI also renovated and operates the community center, Ship Shape. To help residents gain self-sufficiency, TIHDI has developed an Economic Self Sufficiency Program to assist residents with financial literacy, asset building, business development, and credit repair. In addition, TIHDI developed and operates the TIHDI Job Broker System, which has coordinated the hiring of over 200 homeless individuals in short- and long-term jobs. The Job Broker System provides job coaching, mentoring, and job interviews. In addition, TIHDI partners, Toolworks and Rubicon Programs, provide 12-week janitorial training and landscaping jobs focused on hiring homeless, disabled, and economically disadvantaged individuals.

Funding: TIHDI is funded through a combination of corporate, government, and foundation grants, individual donations, and event sponsorship.

Partnerships: TIHDI functions as the coordinator and liaison with multiple service providers and is the lead agency for the homeless component. TIHDI also works closely with government and private entities involved with Treasure Island, such as the Treasure Island Development Authority, Job Corps, the John Stewart Company, and San Francisco Public Schools.