Reflections on PHC 50

A letter from PHC Executive Director Kara Zordel on PHC 50. Please see our website for event results.

Dear PHC Family,

Since our founding in 2004, Project Homeless Connect has served as a point of connection for the San Francisco community. Whether you’re a volunteer, a provider, or a person in need of services, our events are a place to come together and connect. As we gathered together for our 50th event, then, I was honored to share a few words about all we accomplished in the previous 49 events.

Numbers, however, don’t tell the entire story. As anyone who’s been to a PHC event knows, it’s the personal connections we make with participants that make the difference. For me, one of these moments came early in the event when Jason, a gentleman I met about a year ago, came to the Information Table to tell me he recently found housing! Knowing all Jason had been through—job loss, health concerns, and clinical depression—it made my day to connect with him again and find him happier, healthier, and housed.

Seeing Jason was a good reminder of the fact that we change lives not only by providing a bag of groceries or pair of socks, but through the human connections we make with those experiencing homelessness. The dignity of being seen as a person is powerful, and I’m proud that all of us have made PHC a place where people who are often invisible are finally seen.

Whether PHC 50 was your 1st event or your 50th, thank you so much for helping us make real change here in San Francisco!

Kara Zordel, Executive Director
Project Homeless Connect

PS- I missed the opportunity at the rally, but I want to share my appreciation for the many HSA workers who have been instrumental in connecting participants vital services, not to mention helping us with set up and breakdown. Thank you HSA leadership and staff for all of your support and dedication.