In the midst of the COVID-19 crisis, San Francisco’s 26 neighborhood-based Family Resource Centers (FRCs) have responded quickly to meet the needs of vulnerable children, youth, and parents in our community. Family Resource Centers offer a range of support services throughout the city including providing case management, concrete needs, counseling, parent education, mentoring, and other activities that strengthen families and improve a child’s well-being.

Family Resource Centers are on the front lines every day and are needed now more than ever to support families as they experience job and income losses, struggle to pay rent, navigate food insecurity, and seek alternative sources for basic needs. For Safe & Sound, a needs assessment of our clients showed that 62% of families are concerned about food; 42% are in need of hygiene supplies; 28% lack stable housing; and 37% are experiencing unemployment.

With the added pressures of crowded conditions during shelter-in-place, it is essential that we keep FRCs strong and open for business. Thankfully, Governor Newsom recognizes the need to protect our vulnerable communities and recently allocated emergency funds for Family Resource Centers, foster care services, and domestic violence shelters. This crisis will continue to impact our community and our lives, especially for those already struggling in our city. We can and need to do more.

Safe & Sound leads San Francisco’s FRC Alliance — a collaboration of all 26 San Francisco FRCs — to coordinate strategies, advocate to meet the needs of all families, and expand access to supports on behalf of those most vulnerable. Since access does not always mean accessible, the strength of the FRCs is being a trusted resource that is able to meet the unique needs and circumstances of the families they know most closely. 

Working collaboratively is crucial to the success of our systems and safety nets, which is why we are partnering with the City & County of San Francisco, San Francisco Unified School District, and hospitals, to raise awareness about supporting families in crisis. Families are in need, and we are working hard to keep them safe and protected.

In solidarity with all of our FRC Alliance partners, community leaders, volunteers, and dedicated staff, we thank you so much for your continued trust and belief in our work.

With gratitude,

Katie

P.S. With generous support from the Manus Family Foundation, all donations made to Safe & Sound through the end of April will be matched up to $100,000! Double your impact and help us keep families safe during this pandemic.