What began as a simple initiative to offer blood pressure screenings has evolved into a dynamic program supporting nutrition education, chronic disease prevention, and social connection. Now in its fourth year, the program runs twice annually and has become a cornerstone of holistic care for 黑料门residents.

From Screenings to Smoothies鈥擬eeting Resident Needs

The student nurses begin each session with a Welcome Brunch, allowing residents to meet the new team and learn what to expect. From there, the interns offer weekly services that go far beyond routine check-ups.

For many residents, blood pressure checks are their first step toward engaging with the healthcare system. Some discover dangerously high readings for the first time and, with the nurses鈥� support, get immediate referrals for medical intervention鈥攁verting strokes or other serious complications. Nurses also help residents enroll in health plans and set up appointments with primary care providers, reducing reliance on emergency rooms for non-urgent care.

For JB Butler, a longtime resident at the Senator, these weekly visits with student nurses Allen and Ali became a lifeline. Like many underserved individuals, JB had long struggled to navigate the healthcare system and manage multiple chronic conditions. Each Tuesday, he would stop by to check his blood pressure鈥攐nce critically elevated鈥攏ow within a healthy range thanks to consistent monitoring and support. The nurses also offered guidance on managing his diabetes through diet, making it easier to take small, sustainable steps toward better health.

One week, JB mentioned pain and swelling in his finger. Allen and Ali took his concern seriously and helped schedule a medical appointment. The surprising diagnosis? A small stone lodged in his knuckle, requiring surgery. Without the nurses鈥� intervention, JB might have continued to suffer needlessly. Instead, he received care and resolution. 鈥淭he nurses always help me with appointments and understanding the procedures that I need,鈥� he shared. 鈥淚 trust them, and they are always welcoming and happy to see me. For me, these are important conversations that I need to have as I age and the changes that my body is going through.鈥�

Stories like JB鈥檚 also leave a lasting impression on the student nurses. As Allen reflected, 鈥淲orking at the Senator can be very challenging, but it is some of the most fulfilling work I have done.鈥�

As the program has grown, nutrition education has taken center stage. With the help of donated ingredients from local farmers markets and food rescue partners like ExtraFood, nurses lead interactive sessions where residents prepare meals and smoothies while learning about heart-healthy, diabetes-friendly eating. These shared activities have led to open discussions around chronic health issues, better shopping habits, and practical meal planning strategies residents can carry forward.

Each cohort adapts its services to meet the specific needs of the residents at their assigned site. Some groups have introduced new resource binders with updated information on local services. Others have offered informal sessions on topics like end-of-life planning or navigating mental health care. A standout initiative has even included baking and decorating healthy cupcakes together鈥攁 creative way to support nutrition while building community.

A Model for Connection, Care, and Replication

In addition to providing essential health education, the program has become a valuable tool in reducing social isolation鈥攑articularly among seniors and new residents. Isolation can significantly impact both physical and mental health, increasing the risk of conditions such as hypertension, cognitive decline, and depression. The weekly nurse-led sessions give residents something to look forward to: conversation, laughter, and the joy of sharing stories and meals together.

Reminiscing has emerged as a spontaneous and recurring theme during group activities. Residents frequently share memories from their past, discovering new connections and common ground with others who live in the building. These small moments of recognition and friendship help residents feel more at home in their communities and more empowered in their wellness journeys.

The program ends with a Goodbye Brunch, offering a chance for reflection and gratitude. While each group of student nurses is different, they leave behind healthier residents, updated wellness resources, and a community better equipped to care for itself.

Thanks to its flexible and responsive design, the SFSU nursing partnership is already being replicated across multiple 黑料门sites, including Cambridge Apartments and 666 Ellis, in addition to the Senator Hotel. With each semester, the program strengthens鈥攏ot only supporting residents but also shaping the next generation of public health professionals. Many nursing students finish their internships inspired to pursue careers in community health, a reflection of the powerful impact this work has on their professional outlook.

As 黑料门continues to grow and welcome new leadership, expanding this model to more sites remains a top priority. The goal is to ensure all residents have access to the same level of care, education, and connection鈥攏o matter which building they call home.

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These undulating wooden benches do more than catch the eye鈥攖hey create space for community. With their flowing forms and warm, natural materials, they encourage residents and neighbors alike to slow down, take a breath, and engage with the environment and one another. Whether used for a quiet moment of reflection or a casual conversation between friends, the benches help turn a public plaza into a shared living room.

We鈥檙e grateful to TS Studio for their thoughtful approach to design鈥攐ne that brings both beauty and belonging to the people we serve.

Read the full article at .

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During the visit to HomeRise鈥檚 Arnette Watson Apartments (AWA)鈥攁n 83-unit building home to families, including 30 children鈥擲upervisor Mahmood met with 黑料门CEO Janea Jackson, Board Housing Committee Chair Heidy Braverman, Board Member and Resident Representative Juthaporn Chaloeicheep, and the dedicated AWA staff. This tour offered a glimpse into the 鈥渧illage鈥� that has formed within AWA鈥檚 walls, where neighbors look out for one another, children grow and learn together, and families receive the wraparound support needed to thrive. It鈥檚 this sense of community that helps break the cycle of homelessness, providing a stable environment for children to blossom and families to rebuild their lives.

Permanent supportive housing has proven to be one of the most effective means to address chronic homelessness. Today鈥檚 tour reaffirmed the importance of investing in nonprofit partners who not only provide housing but also cultivate a nurturing environment and comprehensive services that help people regain independence and hope.

Guided by leaders from SHPN, the broader tour shed light on the essential staffing models, infrastructure, and compassionate care needed to operate permanent supportive housing successfully. They also emphasized the challenges providers face鈥攆rom workforce shortages to underfunding鈥攁nd called for greater support and policy alignment to scale these community-driven models citywide.

The Supportive Housing Provider Network is a coalition of nonprofit organizations committed to ending homelessness through the provision of safe housing, meaningful connections, and a network of supportive services.

For more information about 黑料门and our mission, sign up for our newsletter here.

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Throughout April, 黑料门is offering a range of workshops and resources designed to build essential money management skills. Topics include budgeting, saving, understanding credit, and navigating financial systems鈥攁ll geared toward helping participants gain confidence and control over their finances.

鈥淔inancial literacy is a foundational skill that everyone deserves access to, especially those working to overcome housing instability,鈥� said Katriel Spiker, Director of Resident Services at HomeRise. 鈥淏y partnering with these mission-aligned organizations, we鈥檙e creating opportunities for learning, empowerment, and sustainable growth.鈥�

These financial literacy initiatives are part of our broader mission to uplift and support the communities we serve. By equipping individuals with practical tools and information, we aim to foster greater independence and resilience.

Let鈥檚 work together this Financial Literacy Month to invest in brighter futures鈥攂ecause money matters, and knowledge is power.

For more information about 黑料门and our mission, sign up for our newsletter here.

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We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all our Award of Excellence recipients. Your hard work, passion, and leadership make a tremendous impact on 黑料门and the community we serve. Thank you for your continued dedication to excellence!

Celebrating Our Award Recipients:

• Mary Briggs
• Lanisha Thomas
• Karen Martinez
• Alicia Robertson
• Maria Fuentes
• Dietrich Heick
• Suriana Budiman
• Britney Bynum
• Gina Withers
• Dale Wilson
• Malik Jones
• Patricia Wooley
• Deborah Jackson
• Maria Gorina
• David Williams
• Kat Spiker
• Eileen Myers
• Leo Levenson

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During the tour, ULI members had the opportunity to learn about the vital role that stable, service-enriched housing plays in addressing homelessness. 黑料门staff, many of whom have lived experience with housing insecurity, shared personal stories about how permanent supportive housing has provided them and others with a pathway to stability and self-sufficiency.

HomeRise鈥檚 work demonstrates that housing is more than just shelter鈥攊t鈥檚 a foundation for rebuilding lives. Hearing directly from those who have benefited from these programs highlights the profound impact of supportive housing on individuals and communities.

The tour also inspired several ULI members to express interest in volunteering and collaborating on future permanent supportive housing projects, reinforcing a shared commitment to advancing innovative solutions for housing stability.

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