Neighborhood Hands

" in 2023, Neighborhood Hands served an estimated 600 volunteer community members, including 543 unduplicated unhoused and very low-income residents, by hosting 40 volunteer park cleaning programs at guadalupe gardens in san jose, ca. In collaboration with an average of 9 public, private, and nonprofit partners per program, the Neighborhood Hands community logged an estimated 9,200+ hours alleviating homelessness, social isolation, and beautifying the community. Our program cleared an estimated 187,250 pounds of park debris in 2023! In addition to social connection and social capital, Neighborhood Hands' unhoused and very low-income volunteer participants were connected with stipends - provided by both Neighborhood Hands and the city of san jose's cash for trash program -- and an estimated 10,642 meals, 14,850 beverages, 3,083 articles of clothing, 4211 pairs of socks, 210 pairs of shoes, 2,881 hygiene packs, 3,340 feminine hygiene products, 400 reusable bags, 75 blankets, sheets, tarps, and pillows, 57 free bike repairs, 23 free bikes, 16 expungement referrals for immigration, civil, and arrest and bench warrant recalls, 15 housing system checks, and many mental health consultations from a wide range of community partners at our growing community resource fairs, which accompany the volunteer park cleaning program.

Received $256,055 in pro bono legal services to assist with health and safety protocols and policies for the program to operate properly. In addition, liabity waivers were created for volunteers and provided counsel in order to maintain volunteer program model.