FAQ Topic: Homelessness

Were they wearing their shirt? Was it between 8:00 am-12:00 pm on a weekday? Team Members are allowed to do what they want when they’re not volunteering in our cleanup program.

Yes. The same way someone can work a 9-5, panhandle, use their SSI, or General Assistance money to buy alcohol. However, DST has zero tolerance for alcohol use on the volunteer shift. If someone is using their basic needs stipends for alcohol, they’ll have to make the responsible decision to maintain sobriety by the time they have to set … Continued

Downtown Streets Team is funded by tax dollars. Here is the breakdown: 35% Marin County 25% City of San Rafael 10% City of Novato 15% Donors 9% Earned Income 6% Grants

DST measures success differently. They understand that everyone has different paths to success, some may join the Team and quit the Team multiple times before being ready to get back into the workforce. DST doesn’t count their job number until someone has held employment past 90 days. So far, 74 individuals experiencing homelessness have gotten into employment that lasted longer … Continued

The capacity of the team is contingent on funding. Downtown Streets Team’s priority is to make sure the wait list time is reduced and preferably, nonexistent. DST’s contracted capacity is 25 but they usually have enough money raised to support 30 Team Members at one time. They use discretion to decide when someone’s in need of an emergency hotel … Continued

If a team member feels an unfair decision has been made, the chain of command for grievance is: Project Manager Karen@streetsteam.org Director Logan@streetsteam.org Chief Program Officer Chris@streetsteam.org Please redirect any Team Members to DST staff if they want to address something about DST.

No – DST is a volunteer program that gives their volunteers (Team Members) basic needs stipends to help them get through their week. This pulls them out of survival mode so instead of spending time recycling or panhandling, they can work on their resume’s and cover letters.