DREAMS BEYOND DESPAIR: RESHAPING LIVES AND NURTURING HOPE

Dreams. We all have them. We dream at night and daydream about the lives we want to build. But do you ever wonder what people living on the streets dream about? Can they dream?

For those without a home, a park bench, a doorway, or a concrete slab under a freeway may be the only place they can find to shelter when the sun sets. There is no safe, warm bed to whisk them away into a deep, comforting sleep. It isn’t just their physical existence that is marginalized; it is their dreams, too.

“When you are homeless, you stop dreaming — not by choice, but by the

reality of life on the street.”

-Ritter Center Client

Our mission is to help people who are struggling overcome life’s challenges and rebuild their potential so they can start to dream again. However, we need a community of care to do it.

A CHANGE IN PERSPECTIVE?

When you see someone on the street holding a sign that asks for CHANGE or pleads for food, do you wonder how they got there? Our compassion for others would move us to end human suffering; yet, most people avoid eye contact and keep walking.

Do you dare to change your view of people living on the streets to better help them?

There’s a sad story behind every sign: abuse, job loss, eviction, divorce, discrimination, disability, PTSD… the reasons are endless. Even just a few nights sleeping on the streets can significantly impact a person’s physical and mental health.

“Everyone will experience anxiety and depression at some point in their lives. Let’s help each other find joy when we need it most.”

- Lucas Garrison, Ritter Center Behavioral

Health Therapist

If your family member experienced trauma or suffered a mental health issue that resulted in lost work, wages, and even their housing, would you think they deserve it? No. Sadly, most people on the street don’t have someone like you in their corner. We must change the conversation and normalize talking about mental health to create empathy and effective solutions to homelessness.

RESOLVING HOMELESSNESS. REKINDLING HOPE.

At Ritter Center we know homelessness is solvable. Part of our solution involves providing Whole Person Care and implementing a Housing First approach proven methods for solving homelessness and improving life outcomes.

Whole Person Care provides people with trained case workers who create a wraparound support plan including medical and mental health care and housing and social services - whatever is needed to improve their health and find or keep their home.

Housing First

is an approach that prioritizes providing a safe living space for homeless individuals, so they, with the support from professionals, can focus on improving health issues, reducing harmful behaviors, and establishing stability. It’s not a housing program; it’s a health intervention!

PREVENTING HOMELESSNESS, PRESERVING DREAMS

Many of us in the Bay Area take for granted access to food, fresh water, clean clothes, and an ability to shower whenever we like. For unhoused people, the basics are not always accessible and healthcare is completely unaffordable. They dream of a time when they won’t have to worry about making rent and can regularly afford groceries. They dream of a healthier life and a brighter future for their families. “Ritter means hope to our community here.”

- Dee, Mom of four & Ritter Center client

65% of our clients are housed and need assistance to stay housed. We provide vital services that prevent homelessness for many low-income people in Marin.

• Our Food Pantry ensures families have fresh food;

• Rental assistance alleviates housing costs;

• Showers, laundry, and P.O. Box services support self-esteem and job opportunities;

• Seasonal programs offer meal kits, gift cards, and essentials during critical times;

• Medical and behavioral health care teams provide onsite, street medicine, and telehealth services;

• Case Managers assist with access to housing, benefits, and more.

Ritter Center provides services to over 2,700 people every year. We are there for individuals who are homeless and need safety and shelter, people who need healthcare and someone to talk to, families who can’t afford holiday gifts for their kids, seniors whose fixed incomes don’t cover food, and so many others who need help to overcome life’s toughest challenges.

Some of our neighbors have had a start in life that limited their opportunity. But their dreams for the future should not be limited. We invite you to join us in creating change and giving hope - the most valuable gift a person experiencing homelessness and poverty can receive.

Donate today at rittercenter.org

Margot Duane Photography