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If you
would like to highlight a PHC partner or program, please contact
Edward.DeMasi@sfdph.org
Veterinary Street Outreach Services (VET SOS) is a volunteer-based project providing free veterinary care for the companion animals of homeless San Franciscans. VET SOS is operated by the San Francisco Community Clinic Consortium (SFCCC), a private non-profit agency, and works in collaboration with five community animal service organizations. Founded in 2001, VET SOS aims to improve the health of homeless San Franciscans and their companion animals, decrease the spread of infectious disease, reduce pet overpopulation, foster the human-animal bond and champion the welfare of homeless pet guardians and animals in San Francisco.
Modeled after, and now part of, the SFCCC's successful Street Outreach Services (SOS) healthcare for the homeless program, VET SOS provides free veterinary examinations, basic medical procedures, vaccinations, and acute medical care to homeless pets. Through the use of a specially equipped mobile outreach van, VET SOS also distributes pet supplies, including food, flea control products, and leashes/collars. By establishing a consistent, non-judgmental presence in the lives of homeless people, assisting them to provide for the basic healthcare needs of their companions, and advocating for their welfare, VET SOS establishes relationships of trust with homeless pet owners. Once trust is established, these pet owners are more likely to be receptive to messages about their own healthcare needs.
Community Awareness & Treatment Services (CATS) is a private, nonprofit
organization providing rehabilitation and recovery services to those
affected by homelessness and substance abuse. Reaching over 6,000 men and
women yearly through eight programs, CATS' focus is on the "hardest to
serve" homeless - those multiply diagnosed with chronic substance abuse,
mental illness, and HIV/AIDS, among others.
As a partner with Mayor Newsom's homeless initiative, CATS collaborates
with the San Francisco Homeless Outreach Team (SF HOT), and has been
involved in Project Homeless Connect since inception. CATS also provides
MAP vans for transportation, and making showers and other basic services
available through the McMillan Drop-In Center.
If you would like to keep informed of CATS activities in the community,
please forward contact information to admin@catsinc.org. Visit the CATS
website at www.careforhomeless.org
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