"Our team is boots out in the field every day working with both our vulnerable populations and community to change the perception of displaced individuals, all while making a difference in our environment," says Erika Laguna, Program Operations Manager for the Downtown Streets Team (DST).

Our #SiliconValleyStrongHeroes mission is to connect homeless and low-income men and women with the resources they need to rebuild their lives. Through their "win-win-win" model, team members, the environment and the community wins by the beautification projects and homeless initiatives the organization has across Silicon Valley.

The team is hard at work each day helping to beautify our community by cleaning neighborhoods and encampments. Over the years, DST has contributed by cleaning over 10.2 million gallons of trash, picking up 614 thousand cigarette butts and removing 100 thousand needles from the streets.

Recently, the City of San José gave a $40 thousand-dollar Collective Impact Grant that allows DST to continue their outreach, fulfill their mission, while providing much needed resources. While out in the community cleaning, they will also provide hygiene kits and personal protective equipment (PPE) to those who are in need of them.

Homelessness is a complex issue that is too large for any single agency to address. Between the private sector, government agencies, social service agencies and most importantly, the #SVStrong community, organizations such as the Downtown Streets Team can combine compassion and collaboration to make a difference.

DST has taken it even further. They have been able to secure permanent housing and jobs for over 2,000 displaced individuals. All DST team members are volunteers who are homeless or at-risk of becoming homeless. They are held accountable and trusted to complete tasks, show up on time and work well with others. They have the opportunity to succeed, rise through the ranks to become Team Leads, perhaps a Supervisor or even a Manager. 

Organizations like the Downtown Streets Team work hard to restore dignity and help rebuild the lives of our unhoused. If you are interested in donating or getting involved in our #SiliconValleyHeroes mission, please visit https://www.streetsteam.org/index for more information.

#SJ Cares #SVStrongHeroes