EBAR - News Briefs: Saint Francis Foundation awards $1.3M in grants

Source: https://www.ebar.com/story/154747/News/

The Saint Francis Foundation has awarded $1.32 million in community grants to local nonprofits. The independent community foundation stated that the new funding brings St. Francis’ community grants total to $8.8 million to date.

“Our community partners are on the front lines in removing barriers to care, assessing social determinants of health, and improving patient access and outcomes,” stated Kate Smith, president of the Saint Francis Foundation. “With the current political climate resulting in reductions to vital health care services, our community partners have sprung into action to identify gaps in maintaining their essential programming. Through the generosity and insights of our dedicated donors, the foundation is in a unique position to help offset the impact of these federal actions.”

Those actions by the Trump administration target gender-affirming care and an executive order stating there are only two genders, male and female. Additionally, the administration has scrapped diversity, equity, and inclusion policies at federal agencies, and made drastic cuts to medical research and health care funding.

Smith stated to the Bay Area Reporter that the grant checks will be issued in full in June. In a phone call, she noted the funds are “above and beyond” what the foundation previously gave to the organizations.

One of the recipients is the San Francisco Community Health Center, which will receive $325,000, the release stated. The federally qualified health center has already seen some federal cuts, CEO Lance Toma, a gay man, previously told the B.A.R. Additionally, the center joined with the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and other nonprofits in suing the Trump administration over President Donald Trump’s executive orders targeting DEI initiatives.

According to the Saint Francis Foundation, the grant funds will be used for street medicine and trauma-informed care. The health center’s street medicine model improves quality and health outcomes for more than 200 unhoused Tenderloin residents by delivering low-barrier, trauma-informed care where they live.

“Our long-standing partnership with Saint Francis Foundation has fostered innovation and inspiration as we strive to address the health and wellness of the Tenderloin community,” stated Lance Toma, a gay man who is CEO of the San Francisco Community Health Center. “We worked on a collaboration with their emergency department and our street medicine program, which is demonstrating incredible outcomes for individuals who are struggling with substance use and homelessness. 

“At this particular moment when federal funding is at significant risk, especially for marginalized communities, this award from Saint Francis Foundation will help us to defend against federal cuts to ensure we persist in our efforts to provide comprehensive care for the most vulnerable in the Tenderloin,” Toma added.

Another grant recipient is Larkin Street Youth Services, which will also receive $325,000. The funds will be used to help homeless youth and a comprehensive shelter program that operates more than 500 beds across 16-plus sites, according to the release. Additionally, the grant will aid the center’s workforce development and education programs.

In a statement, Larkin Street officials stated they were honored to receive the grant funds.

“Thank you to Saint Francis Foundation for standing with us and uplifting our work. We’re proud to be in partnership with an organization that leads with heart and action,” Larkin Street Youth Services stated.

Maitri Compassionate Care, which provides residential care for people in need of hospice or 24-hour care, will receive $225,000 from the Saint Francis Foundation. The funds will be used to provide services for low-income transgender patients, the release stated.

Michael Armentrout, a gay man who is CEO of Maitri, told the B.A.R. that the Saint Francis Foundation’s support is a cornerstone of its trans program.

“Support from the Saint Francis Foundation is instrumental for our Maitri Affirmation Center program,” Armentrout wrote in an email. “Because of their belief in our mission, we now offer a safe and affirming space for more than 20 people each year who come to San Francisco for gender-affirming surgeries, extending Maitri's legacy of compassionate care to this vulnerable population. This crucial partnership not only secures the essential care our TGI family deserves but also sends a powerful message of solidarity and support for LGBTQ+ healthcare amidst current political challenges.”

Lyon-Martin Community Health Services will receive $150,000 for an expansion of LGBTQ+ services, the foundation’s release stated, including Lyon-Martin moving into its new 17,000 square foot facility.

Lyon-Martin officials did not respond to a request for comment.

Other nonprofits receiving grants are Hyde Street Community Services, which will get $225,000 for intense case management. Curry Senior Center received an additional $150,000 and Sequoia Living received $25,000 for a pilot program with the Institute on Aging to study isolation and aging.