Thomas Taylor, a Bay Area native and Lead Case Manager for Felton’s Bayview Site F, has witnessed many challenges and successes with the unhoused populations he works with. In his role, he oversees case managers and connects clients with life-changing resources. This vital support creates opportunities for clients to thrive. “I’ve seen people turn their life around,” Mr. Taylor explains.
Since 2020, Site F has supported unhoused clients with housing by providing them a trailer to live in, complete with water, electricity, and food. Mr. Taylor explains, “We offer a lot of different services that give clients the resources they need, including onsite medical services and psychologists that come out on Fridays.” This holistic approach provides opportunities and hope for San Francisco’s most vulnerable populations.
Mr. Taylor points out the contributing factors that can lead to homelessness. “There are numerous mental and physical disabilities that significantly impact an individual’s ability to maintain a stable living condition, plus the increasing inflation and rising rent prices necessitate an income that is three times the cost of living in order to sustain oneself.” A common misconception is that “some people automatically think that the unhoused population is lazy or that they choose to be unhoused.” However, Mr. Taylor asserts that many of the unhoused “just can’t afford to be housed.”
Bayview Site F offers opportunities for clients to not only receive housing but reach successful outcomes as a result. “I’ve seen people with drug addictions kick the habit and those who found a job and an apartment now live in stable conditions.” Mr. Taylor, who has experienced being unhoused, expresses his admiration for the clients Site F serves, “The stress they’ve experienced is honestly remarkable, and I commend them for trying to do what they can under the circumstances.”
Bayview Site F creates stability for formerly homeless clients and instills a sense of community by holding barbeques and celebrating holidays like Juneteenth and Mother’s Day. Felton recently hosted an event featuring LUXGROOM, a mobile barber and grooming enterprise, that provided clients with a haircut and other grooming services instilling residents with a sense of confidence. Mr. Taylor said of one of his clients upon receiving a haircut, “I haven’t seen him smile like that in a long time.”
Mr. Taylor brings his commitment and empathy to his role as Lead Case Manager, “I’ve always loved working with people. I’ve always cared about everyone’s well-being.” He credits his talented staff at Site F who have also contributed to the program’s success, “they have been doing a wonderful job,” he says, “I congratulate them for all that they have done and for stepping in to help us continue our program.”
Felton Institute responds to the needs of our community by providing innovative, evidence-informed social services to transform lives. Our organization offers 50+ programs that address mental health, the unhoused, early care and education, those impacted by the justice system, transitional age youth, as well as aging adults. Our award-winning programs, which have been recognized as national models, combine the latest scientific research with cultural sensitivity and a deep commitment to supporting and reflecting the communities we serve.
Founded in 1889, Felton is the oldest secular non-profit social services provider in the City and County of San Francisco. We have expanded our services across most Bay Area counties and continue to be at the forefront of pioneering new approaches to meet the emerging needs of underserved populations.
We know what it looks like to successfully build community.
We foster impactful change by strengthening the community as a premiere service provider. We also strengthen other service providers by supporting them in their fiscal, human resources, communications, IT and overall agency operations. With Felton’s support, they are able to focus on providing the best services to their clients, doing the work they were meant to do.
Felton empowers the community and ensures successful outcomes to all we engage with.
Felton Institute is a tax-exempt organization registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit under EIN 94-1156530.