As a majority white-led institution with a permanent home in a historically Black neighborhood, we acknowledge our responsibility to serve and hold ourselves accountable to our neighbors. Our commitment to the Tenderloin is to be an enduring institution that provides sanctuary and healing for the historically subjugated communities, families, and individuals who call this neighborhood home.
Our TenderArts programming aims to keep what is beautiful about the Tenderloin thriving: a neighborhood that is diverse, expressive, and resilient. We work with Tenderloin-based artists to listen and respond to community concerns, such as lack of respite and access to social services. We welcome our Tenderloin neighbors to engage in hospitable and creative activities and to share their stories.
We commit to the following:
- Collaborating with service organizations to develop community-led programming that responds directly to the needs and interests of our neighbors.
- Providing consistent paid opportunities to people who live in the Tenderloin.
- Training our staff on harm reduction tactics including the administration of NARCAN and conflict de-escalation.
- Centering relationships to respond holistically to incidents of harassment or violence in our space and at our events.
- Prioritizing community care to minimize the presence of police intervention and divest from the prison industrial complex.
- As a principle, we only call 9-1-1 or engage the police if there is an active crisis that we cannot deescalate as a community and there are no other known resources for support.
Suggested reading and resources:
- SF Citywide Naloxone/NARCAN & Harm Reduction Supply Schedule – DOPE Project
- Downtown SF Community Arts, Employment, and Shelter Programs – Hospitality House
- Tenderloin Syringe Services, Community Education, and Support for Drug Users – SF Drug Users Union
- Mobile Community Services and Trainings on Harm Reduction – Harm Reduction Therapy Center
Program highlights
Learn more about our TenderArts programs >>
Header photo of Dana Fontana and the CounterPulse Drum Circle by Grant Kerber