Be a Friend Program
“The best thing you can offer a person on the streets is recognition of their God-given worth and value.” - Mary Benirschke, Founder, Be a Friend
It is not secret that homelessness in San Diego is one of, if not the most, pressing issue facing San Diego. In coordination with The Lucky Duck Foundation and Be A Friend - Impact a Life, Kenosis is participating in a movement to unite San Diego and bring hope and solutions to our most vulnerable neighbors. But this task is impossible without a group of like-minded organizations and neighbors working together.
While homelessness is a complex and multifaceted issue, our program is based on the proven belief that healthy relationships are the key to making any real change. Studies have shown that one of the best ways for our neighbors on the streets to connect to services and move forward in life is through developing healthy relationships. "Be a Friend" is program that trains and activates volunteers who want to help by positively impacting the lives of individuals experiencing homelessness through the power of friendship. Being a friend to someone in need allows them to reconnect to the life they had before homelessness or establish a new connection to the life they desire.
Volunteers who desire to build a friendship with someone who is homeless, at risk of homelessness, or newly housed, will be trained and supported with a unique guided playbook called “The Journey of Relationship” which empowers them to build a trusted friendship, helping transition these new friends from homelessness to a better life. The "Be a Friend" program provides a team approach in setting ‘person centered goals’ and a step-by-step plan for daily living activities once the homeless friend transitions into housing.