When people talk about “fixing the homeless crisis,” they can sometimes see it in a very simplified way, thinking if we just get “them” off the streets and find them housing, the homeless crisis would be resolved. In reality, finding…
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Today we’d like to honor Fredie. He’s been volunteering with GLIDE Harm Reduction for two years, helping to assemble safer injection and smoking kits and organizing other volunteers to help him in this important task. Considering he also works, volunteers at other orgs, practices yoga and tai chi and has four beloved great-grandchildren, we are amazed and grateful that he dedicates time every week to the health of our community.
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“I’ve been with GLIDE for the last two years. I like what I do. I do a little bit of everything; I make [safer injection] kits, and I teach other volunteers how to make them… the team goes out tonight [Tuesday] with the kits to give them out.
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I just like giving back, volunteering. I come every week. I would come two or three times a week, but I work six days. The only day I have off is Sunday, and I go to church on Sunday. Everything out in the street, I done did it — dealing, using, all of that. Now I don’t do any of it. I don’t drink, I don’t smoke. The only thing I drink is coffee, and soda once in awhile.
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I wait for these days. I wait for Tuesday. I have a lot of doctors’ appointments, but I make them early in the morning so that I can come to GLIDE.”
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Thank you for all you do for GLIDE and the San Francisco community! We love you, Fredie!
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#NVW2018 #nationalvolunteerweek #givingback #harmreduction #localheroes
It's #nationalvolunteerweek! Hats off to Emmett and Masumi, who served breakfast today. Emmett has been volunteering weekly at GLIDE for 15 years! He says that he enjoys starting the week in a positive manner. Thanks to you both! #NVW2018 #givingback #mondaymotivation #positivevibes
Today we want to show some love to our stellar volunteer, Roma! Roma started volunteering at GLIDE last year, and she is currently a sophomore at Lick Wilmerding High School. She had become a beloved fixture in our Meals Program, bringing a lot of energy, joy and kindness to the dining hall. We love and appreciate you, Roma! #VolunteerAppreciationMonth #Community #GivingBack
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“Over the summer I was trying to find a place where I could volunteer for a week or so, and I knew Michael Lezak, who had just started working here. So I asked him about it and then came here. The experience made me love GLIDE; it’s just such a great community and there are so many different things you can do. On Thursdays I come to serve a meal, but I also like to volunteer in other areas. When I came here over the summer, I helped with the surveys for the Meals Program. I put those onto the computer, which was pretty intense! I also visited other programs, like the Women’s Center and Speak Out, and now I’m going to the meetings that lead up to the Alabama trip.
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Of all the places that I’ve volunteered, GLIDE just seems like such a fun and open environment. There are so many different groups of people and vibes you get from different places. Down in the Meals hall it’s loud and crazy and fun. You meet people who are homeless, people who are housed and just coming for a meal, you get to meet other volunteers, and the staff who organize Meals like James Sampaga and Gucci and Joann. Also, there are people like James Lin who is very smart and thoughtful about everything he says. I feel like I learn so much when I come here, everyone has so much knowledge that I just don’t have!”
Every Monday and Tuesday night, GLIDE’s Ellis Street entrance becomes a one-stop shop for free #harmreduction supplies, such as syringe access, safe sex supplies, safer injection and smoking kits, community resources and more. We are very grateful to the volunteers who dedicate their evenings to the health and dignity of our neighbors. Pictured here is our Monday night crew: Evan Burke, Tad S., Deborah Yip, Jalen Benson, Melanie Regan, Chris D., Bella King and Matt Nussbaum. A heartfelt thanks to all of them. #VolunteerAppreciationMonth #volunteerSF #SyringeAccess #PublicHealth
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