St. Thomas and South Oakland Shelter
Saint Thomas’ local missionaries need your help host 35 homeless men, woman, and children for an entire week. Volunteer opportunities are listed below, email [email protected] for any other questions.
Ending Homelessness Every Day
For 30 years, South Oakland Shelter (SOS) has been ending homelessness for individuals and families in crisis. With an emphasis on homeless prevention, sustainable housing solutions, and career development, SOS implements strategies and programs that provide realistic options for homeless and at-risk people seeking stabilization and self-sufficiency.
SOS Information
For over 30 years, South Oakland Shelter (SOS) has worked with partner congregations to provide emergency shelter and direct assistance to help homeless individuals and families break the cycle of homelessness and live independently. With an emphasis on sustainable housing-first solutions, SOS implements strategies and programs that assist at-risk and homeless individuals and families obtain and maintain permanent, safe, and affordable housing while increasing their self-sufficiency.
Mission
SOS works to end homelessness by mobilizing interfaith and community resources
Vision
All people in our community will have access to a safe and secure place to call home
Values
Dignity – We believe that all people are entitled to basic human needs: shelter, food, clothing, and the opportunity to achieve self-sufficiency
Respect – Inclusivity, diversity, and the belief that we all bring value to the community
Integrity – Transparent stewardship of financial and community resources on behalf of our stakeholders
2013 Facts:
- 510 homeless or at-risk individuals served
- 84% of sheltered households successfully exited into housing
- 88% of Follow-Up Care participants sustained housing for a full year
- 49% of shelter clients were homeless for the first time
- More than 65% of shelter clients have attended or graduated from college
- 22% of shelter clients were children
- 85% of shelter clients had some form of disability
- 32,988 meals served
- 10,824 nights of shelter
- 30% of eligible SOS clients exited with employment
Our Programs and Services
SOS provides a wide array of supportive programs and services designed to permanently remove individuals and families from the cycle of homelessness. These services include:
Emergency and Transitional Shelter
o SOS maintains 30 unrestricted shelter beds
o No client is withheld services based on their race, ethnicity, or religious affiliation
o Clients receive access on a first call, first serve basis
Housing Assistance Programs
o SOS supports the federal “Housing First” model and continue to seek funding to expand our efforts to help clients find short, medium, and long-term housing solutions
o Our Rapid Rehousing (RRH) and Permanent Supportive Housing Programs allow us to assist homeless community members with the most in need with housing and supportive services
Intensive Case Management
o All SOS clients work with a Case Manager who assists them in developing and implementing their Individualized Service Plan (ISP), which outlines client goals and action steps to achieve them
Support Groups
o A combination of SOS interns, volunteers, and staff administer a variety of groups ranging from AA/NA, peer-to-peer support groups, and educational groups
Computer/IT Training and Library
o SOS has an on-site computer lab that clients use to help achieve employment, housing, and/or educational objectives
o This center is available to volunteers and community organizations interested in holding various skill building workshops
Clothing Closet, On Site Showers, Laundry, and Food Pantry
o SOS has an on-site clothing closet, focusing on professional and seasonal wear; showers; and washers and dryers that allow clients to look their best as they seek employment
o The clothing closet and food pantry are made available to both clients and community members in need
Financial Stability and Literacy Program
o Volunteer run financial services aim to support long-term housing stability and reduce homeless recidivism
Primary Health Services
o SOS has built partnerships with a range of community stakeholders to provide clinic care and health educational opportunities
o Most of our host sites also go above and beyond and provide dental and clinical services
Follow-Up Care
o SOS provides 365 days of supportive services including job advocacy, financial literacy, rental assistance, and supportive housing
