Castro Cares is partnering with Strut, SF AIDS Foundation to provide harm-reduction based street outreach to those at risk in the Castro & Upper Market. Through a city grant from the Office of Economic & Workforce Development and donations from merchants and residents, Castro Cares is once again funding 20 hours a week of street outreach.  Our outreach team is creative and understands the importance of meeting people’s needs and also bringing in outside resources. For instance, their backpack of supplies not only has toiletries, but it also has biodegradable poop bags. Yes, Read more...

Castro Cares Funds Public Safety Too!
The Patrol Special Officers funded through Castro Cares make a difference! “The Castro Cares funded Patrol Special Officers enforce existing laws, while at the same time offer a warm hand to those at risk on the street. When they are on patrol, I rarely find people sleeping in my doorway.”, said local merchant Miguel Lopez on a recent morning as he was opening his shop.
 
The Patrol Special Officers funded through Castro Cares patrol the Castro on Friday and Saturday nights from 7 pm – 7 am and on Sunday from 9 am – 5 pm. They routinely drive/walk the bikeway behind Safeway, patrol Church, Market Streets and Castro St. They offer help and support to those at risk on the street and also enforce existing laws. The Patrol Special Officers regularly move those who are violating the no trespassing signs and then circle back to make sure the individual/group have truly complied. Yet, Cody and his team of officers are respected and trusted by those living on the street, they know that if they need help, Cody or one of the other officers will help.