Hamilton Family Center is a San Francisco-based organization focused on returning families to independent living and assisting families and individuals maintain their housing. Hamilton Family Center provides food and shelter, as well as a comprehensive array of support services that allow our clients to return to self-sufficiency. Through respect, trust, and professionalism, we empower people to create positive options for their lives.

Description:
Hamilton Family Center operates five programs serving homeless families and individuals. These programs include a crisis center, an emergency shelter, a transitional housing program, a permanent supportive housing program and the Housing and Aftercare program that assists families obtain and retain permanent housing. There is a Children's Program at each of Hamilton Family Center's sites. On a day to day basis approximately 60% of the people that Hamilton serves are children. The Children's Programs provide a safe, stable environment for kids to learn, explore and play.

History:
Hamilton Family Center was founded in 1985 by the Hamilton United Methodist Church in response to the rising number of homeless families in San Francisco. Our City was experiencing the 2nd coldest November in 50 years, and members of the Hamilton United Methodist Church were distressed about number of homeless families living in nearby Golden Gate Park. They decided to invite the families to sleep in the basement area of the parish center, opening the doors from 8pm to 8am. Two rooms were converted from youth group locker rooms to "dorm" rooms, and families slept on the floor in sleeping bags. This informal arrangement continued, driven by volunteer labor and enthusiasm.

The next year the volunteers expanded the shelter hours in the church basement. They also realized that a professional staff, not just well meaning volunteers, was necessary to help the families confront the myriad of problems they faced each day. So, in 1987, Hamilton Family Center was incorporated as a nonprofit organization, separate from Hamilton United Methodist Church.

As the numbers and needs of homeless families in our community have grown, Hamilton Family Center has grown to meet them. Hamilton places a high value on the input of current and former clients in the design of programs, in order to create programs that reflect their real needs and best serve this population.

Contact people:

Audrey Muntz, Volunteer Coordinator, (phone), (email) Suzanne Sheedy, Development Director, (phone), (email)

Main office number: (415) 409-2100
Office fax number: (415) 345-0470

Address:

1631 Hayes Street San Francisco, CA 94117 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.hamiltonfamilycenter.org

Directions:

Our Administrative Offices are located within our Transitional Program: Hayes is one block from Fell Street, and we are between Central and Lyon Streets.   Nearest Metro/Subway Stop: N-Judah Muni or Civic Center BART then bus,   Walk distance (in minutes): 10 minutes from Muni   Nearest Bus Stop: #21Hayes, #5Fulton, Haight St. buses, 0-10 minutes minute walk

Miscellaneous Information

Besides English, which languages are spoken at your agency?
	Cambodian, Cantonese, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Spanish, Tagalog, Vietnamese
What is the minimum age for volunteers at your agency?
	N/A
Is your agency wheelchair accessible?
	Yes
Does your agency have the capacity to host groups of more than 10?
	Yes
Does your agency have the capacity to host groups of more than 20?
	Yes