CHEFS Program helps people get off the streets

 Anyone who has visited San Francisco has probably noticed a sizeable homeless population in the city. I admit, I often stroll by these people feeling scared or irritated, and I need to check myself and remember, most of these folks have had really bad luck. While there’s no easy answer to the problem, there are some wonderful programs in place that are working to help these people in need. I was fortunate enough to attend a fundraiser for one such program last week, at the Summertini  fundraiser for Episcopal Community Services.

Episcopal Community Services has been around since 1982 with a mission to “help homeless and very low-income people every day and every night obtain the housing, jobs, shelter, and essential services each person needs to prevent and end homelessness.” Pretty cool! One program that is close to home is their CHEF’s Program which provide training for homeless and formerly homeless adults to work in the food services industry.

At the event, graduates from the CHEF’s program were serving tasting food, sitting next to food from notable chefs such as Adam Lovelace from Masa’s, Bob Helstrom of Kuleto’s , Jeremy Bearman from the new Lark Creek Steak , and many more of SF’s top chefs.  I was also lucky enough to enjoy an extremely strong, yet delightful Nectarine Ginger Martini featuring Ciroc Vodka , while my cohorts enjoyed Watermelon Verbena, Tamarind Spice, and Cucumber Gin martinis.

Not only did I walk out of the event filled with yummy food and a bit tipsy on really strong cocktails, I felt that I learned a bit more about how people end up homeless. For those who don’t have adequate support networks, ECS and programs like it make the difference in people’s lives by providing temporary housing and skill development so these people can get back on their feet again. I know I’m happy to have been able to support this excellent program.