Testimonial from
our Clients
September 29, 2007
To whom it may concern.
My name is Michael Anthony Martinez. Like many people who walk through the doors of the Homeless Youth Alliance, (it was the Haight-Ashbury youth outreach team), I was a down and out youth. I was homeless, and traveling around... sleeping in the park and spanging in the streets. I sold my artwork to make cash, and loved the feeling of having total strangers appreciate my work.
When I came to San Francisco, I didn't know where to go. I heard about the HAYOT, and went there. Everyone who worked there was really awesome. They talked to me as a peer as opposed to street trash. Even though I already had a great amount of self worth, it was refreshing to have someone else see it as well.
When there was food, we all shared it, and washed our dishes... like a commune of sorts. I could wash up, brush my teeth, and clean my face properly while there. I was able to get basic necessities that too many people take for granted like soap, toothpaste, a toothbrush, deodorant, and shampoo. I was even able to get my Hep A Vaccines there! How DARE anyone who has never been so disadvantaged be so dismissive of the HYA without even realizing how many people they help!
I am currently living on my own in Sacramento. I have a great job as a security guard at the Sacramento Crocker Art Museum. (Can you tell I love art)? I am also attending college as a full time student at Sacramento City College. I will be transferring in a few years to Humboldt State for (you guessed it) a bachelors in Studio Arts. What the hell does this have to do with HAYOT... now the HYA? More than you would imagine.
If it weren't for the HAYOT/HYA, and programs like it, I doubt I would be where I am today. I had ambitions that this place was able to help me keep alive. I was always receiving positive reinforcement from everyone there. They didn't just believe I could accomplish what I want in life, they sincerely WANTED me to. If it weren't for support systems like these, I would still be on the streets.
Too many people have a bad case of NIMBY. (not in my back yard). That is total CRAP! Everyone is nice and positive about programs to help others. Who doesn't want institutions to help the mentally challenged, or runaways, or the homeless? Everyone agrees that these programs are helpful to many....But no one wants these institutions near them.
What a bunch of selfish individuals you are! I’m sure you all can come up with a myriad of reasons why the HYA is a problem. You’re not looking at both sides of the issue. Until you, or someone you know has been there... you don't know a thing. I am living proof that this program is a necessity for homeless youth. I am living proof that with a lot of ambition, and a helping hand, anyone can make it. So to all those who would dismiss the HYA for not actually helping... or say that they don't make a difference, you're wrong. And if you don't care about how they helped me, or others, you can BITE ME.
Michael Martinez
September 29, 2007
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To whom it may concern,
My name is Angela Pelosi and I am a San Francisco native, and for a brief time a needle user living on the street while trying to get on my feet. I used to be the person you found passed out on a bench or asking you for money. I am now a mother of 3 and living life responsibly and drug free.
When I was homeless I was thankful to have a program like the Homeless Youth Alliance who would hand out condoms, needles, toothbrushes, provide showers and a lot more for the people who needed it the most. Looking back now knowing the people who were out there using needles and thinking of a society that spreading AIDS and Hepatitis C I am thankful there are people trying to keep the people down, SAFE. My life has turned around now and my past has not caught up with me or affected my children. Please don’t take away a valuable program like the Homeless Youth Alliance.
Although we may want to turn away from or judge those we see passed out or asking for money they will always be out there using drugs and having sex. And with no money they will be sharing needles and having unprotected sex. These people are mostly under 30 and will one day get on there feet. Let this beneficial program help to save the rejected from passing on diseases, let this program help to guide people in the right direction with their words and concern and resources.
Hamilton’s Church is a great location for the Homeless Youth Alliance. There is a general population of homeless that go there for their lunch serving and gospel words daily, why not let these two great organizations come together and provide services to those less fortunate. I fully believe that without the Homeless Youth Alliance we will be turning our backs on thousands of people who need help. That is not how I can view my city, which is so advanced and a melting pot of all sorts of people. Please let the Homeless Youth Alliance support these thousands of people who need help because if they don’t, who will????
Sincerely,
Angela Pelosi
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To Whom It May Concern:
My name is Brandy. I was homeless on San Francisco’s streets two years ago. It felt hopeless....lonely, and every day seemed to get longer and longer. Homeless Youth Alliance made me feel like I mattered when no one else did. They provide priceless services to the youth of the streets, and give them hope that there is something better, a place to heal, and they never looked at me like I was less of a person than they were, even though the rest of SF pretty much saw me as nothing........I got treatment, and work full time now, and no longer use drugs as a way to escape reality. And I did all that with their help, if it weren't for them I would still be homeless, committing crimes to eat and have somewhere to stay, and to support my drug habit. They are all the youth of the streets have, and I am forever in debt to them. So is San Francisco, whether it knows it, or not.
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September 29, 2007
The homeless youth alliance has helped a lot of people. Without the HYA there would be a lot of street kids on Haight Street sharing intravenous needles and contracting diseases such as hep B and C and HIV. Instead, the HYA provides the homeless youth of San Francisco with a needle exchange and with safe drug usage information. Also, the HYA has helped people such as myself with counseling, food and clothing. I cant even count how many times I’ve needed information regarding clinics or veterinary care for my dogs and have been able to go into the HYA and have a friendly worker help me out and give me the information I need. Or what about when I need to get my mail sent somewhere? Homeless kids don’t have a house to receive mail, but sure enough, they provided me with a place to receive mail from my family and friends. Don’t shut down the HYA...Its all we've got out on haight street to help us...
Cherry
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DEAR MARY,
I LOVED AND MISS S.F. AND ALL THE TIMES AND CRAZY ADVENTURES WITH ALL ME NEW FRIENDS AND SUM OF THE BEST PEOPLE ON DA PLANET. AND IM SO GLAD AND HONERED THAT I WAS A PART OF THE HYA AND ALL IT STANDS FOR AND ITZ BEAUTIFUL SENSE OF FAMILY AND ALL OF THE COMPASSION THAT IS SHOWED. SO MANY PEOPLE TAKE IT AND ALL YOU GUYZ DO 4 GRANTED BUT YOU STILL NEVER GIVE UP ON NOBODY !! I LOVE ALL OF THE GREAT STAFF AT THE EXCHANGE AND WANT 2 SAY THAT YOURE WONDERFULL AND ALL THE GODS THAT MITE EXIST IF THERE IS ANY, SMILE DOWN UPON ALL OF YOU, FOR YOUR HEARTZ ARE IN THE RITE PLACE IN TIMES WHERE THAT IS RARE WHEN PEOPLE ARE HURT OR NEED HELP OR JUST A FRIENDLY EAR, THERE U GUYZ ARE. OPEN AND READY LIKE A ROCK!! YOU ARE THA ROCK 4 SO MANY PEOPLE. NEVER CHANGE I WILL ALWAYZ HAVE MUCH LUV 4 WHAT U HAVE DONE 4 ME AND ME FAMILY. SO I WILL NEVER 4-GET YOU PROMISE, THANX 4 BEING MY ANGEL. SORRY THIS IS SO DAMN MUSSHY !!! MUCH LUVV, YOUR ERIK ....
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September 29, 2007
I’ve only been to the HYA a couple of times over the years but I can honestly say that it made a huge difference in my life. Its places like the HYA and other drop in centers I have been to that inspired me to get my butt off the street and start working with kids in my own community. The other thing is that a lot of kids I know utilize the needle exchange at the HYA when they are in San Francisco. The HYA keeps dirty rigs out of our parks and off the streets. It also keeps people I love alive and disease free. Please don’t shut them down!!!