SFSmiles Founder & Director Chad Christensen with HPP Aftercare Case Manager Ramona Shewl
Here at the HPP, we see many families who lack the day-to-day items needed to ensure their children are living in a healthy and stable home. From bedding to new baby bottles, these basic essentials make a world of difference to the homeless and low-income families we serve. Enter SFSmiles. A partner of HPP since July, this gem of a budding charity has donated and delivered a myriad of items, from new baby accessories to a couch for an HPP family who recently and successfully moved out of homelessness.
“SFSmiles is a godsend,” HPP Aftercare Case Manager Ramona Shewl exclaimed. “They are a great resource and active participant in our community and are fueled by a sincere sense of giving.”
With a mission to serve as the central agency in a sustainable “network of giving” comprised of community members, small businesses and local charities, SFSmiles acts as a middleman to connect nonprofit organizations with needed items donated by generous supporters. They partner with approximately 25 different agencies in San Francisco, ranging from homelessness to children’s programs, to make their “wish list” of goods a reality. Proudly dubbed a “charity that supports charities”, SFSmiles is currently volunteer-run and spearheaded by the larger than life founder and director Chad Christensen.
“During the holiday season, I would always be on the lookout for items to be donated to charities; however, I realized that resource-strapped nonprofits needed items year-round.” Christensen said. “I launched a ‘reverse garage sale’ at my home with a list of items we were collecting to be distributed to charities. It turned out to be a huge success, with over 4000 different items donated! With the help of an amazing team and word of mouth, SFSmiles has really gotten off the ground, and I couldn’t have asked for a better fit for us than HPP. We were so impressed by the tour, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many smiling faces and so many people happy with what they do!”
You can join SFSmiles’ efforts by checking out their upcoming October events at Mission Comics and the Juri St. Block Party.
HPP is so fortunate to partner with such a wonderful organization. You make us smile! :)