HSH Success Stories: Outreach

Outreach is often the first connection point in someone’s journey out of homelessness. Here, you'll find stories of trust, persistence, and partnership as outreach teams meet people where they are—building relationships and guiding them toward stability and support.

Homelessness and Supportive Housing

After 45 Years on the Streets, Bob Finds Home and Healing

For more than four decades, Bob* lived unsheltered in San Francisco’s Mission District. His journey into homelessness began at age 30, after a first episode of schizophrenia upended his life. He lost his job, his family, and the sense of stability he once knew. For years, he lived in his van—until illness made even that impossible.

Bob’s path back to housing was long and complex. He cycled through hospital stays, often returning to the street. But over time, and through persistent outreach from the San Francisco Homeless Outreach Team (SFHOT) and partner agencies including the Veterans Affairs (VA), Felton Institute’s Adult Intensive Case Management (ICM), and the San Francisco Fire Department, connections were rebuilt.

A turning point came when the VA was able to place Bob in a Shelter-in-Place (SIP) hotel that met his daily living needs. With continued support and trust built through repeated engagement, Bob eventually said yes to housing. Today, he lives in permanent supportive housing—no longer outside, but home.

*all names changed to protect client privacy