Palo Alto Downtown Streets – Founded in 2005, Downtown Streets helps to restore dignity, inspire hope, and provide a pathway to recover from homelessness.
Teams are comprised of unhoused neighbors and those at risk of experiencing homelessness. They provide homeless and low-income men and women with the resources they need to rebuild their lives. First, they volunteer on one of our teams and begin working collaboratively on beautification projects. Team Members are held accountable and trusted to complete tasks, show up on time, and work well with others. Those who show dedication and leadership skills have the ability to rise up to become Team Leads, then Managers, and supervise others with little or no supervision from staff.
In return, Team Members receive a non-cash stipend to help cover their basic needs while taking advantage of case management and employment services to find housing and jobs. Team Members engage in community beautification and clean-up projects that challenge negative perceptions of homelessness in Palo Alto and 15 other California locations. The ultimate goal is to transition Team Members into employment because having a job restores hope and opens the door to other opportunities. The model is a one-year transitional program into permanent housing and employment.