'Taking It To The Streets' Launches Crowdfunding Campaign

'Taking It To The Streets' Launches Crowdfunding CampaignPhoto: Taking It To The Streets/Facebook
Camden Avery
Published on March 16, 2018

Three years into providing jobs, training, and housing for homeless youth in San Francisco, Taking It To The Streets has launched a crowdfunding campaign to extend its reach.

Helmed by Christian Calinsky, the group provides housing, job training, and other services for homeless adults aged 18 to 27. In exchange, its clients help clean streets and remove graffiti around the Upper Haight and Cole Valley.

Hosted through HandUp, the fundraiser has its sights set on raising $50,000. According to the campaign, $50 can cover the cost of a client's monthly Muni pass, while $100 could buy one family's groceries for a week.

"We work with youth who are ready to turn their lives around and get off the streets for good," the fundraiser reads. "We are in the game of ending chronic homelessness before it begins."

Earlier this year, the group secured a semi-permanent office in the Upper Haight to better serve its community and provide a private space for counseling. Over the years, the group has gradually secured an increasing number of beds for clients by occupying rooms in SROs around the city.

Currently, Taking It To The Streets provides housing for 60 people.

"Our organization is a hub for open dialogue between housed and un-housed residents and the merchant community," the fundraiser continues, "working together to create a more connected, cleaner, safer, and sustainable community."

As of this writing, six supporters have contributed $695, with 38 days remaining.