Our History
SF Revival was founded by David Beall and Ralph Sivilla who worked in San Francisco’s Civic Center and Financial District, and in the course of their interacting with the homeless, felt a calling to help. Interactions would begin simply, the same way most people do. And gradually as trust was built the kind of assistance took different forms, such as paying for methadone treatments, help with applying for SSI, helping in finding housing, moral support, spiritual support, gifts of needed items, travel expenses, help contacting agencies, ID replacement, and monetary assistance too.
It was a wish that somehow this help, that was only something before and after work, could be developed into a full-time profession, and today that dream is a reality where our team is on the streets almost every day helping the needy!
WHO WE ARE
SF Revival is a non-denominational, non-profit organization with 501(c)(3) status. Our members and directors come from many different faiths and backgrounds. Three of our seven directors are formerly homeless and were helped by members of the staff before SF Revival was formally launched.
We believe in the power of God to help and heal anyone, and we have witnessed miraculous healings of people on the street who logically should be still trapped or even dead, but are now fully recovered and living full lives.
SF Revival has one full-time staff member as well as part-time staff and volunteers, some of which are formerly homeless, giving their personal knowledge and hope to others still on the street.
WHAT WE DO
SF Revival is on the streets almost every day seeking clients that we can have a positive influence with and help them in whatever way we can. We will approach anyone who appears to need help. We especially try to help the chronically homeless, and those who are the most disconnected from society.
We form a relationship built on trust and dependability. When the client is sure of our intent and can rely on us, we find that he or she will begin to open up and allow us to assist them in more meaningful ways. We call this model our Direct Homeless Assistance Program.
Our efforts fill a gap that is left by many social services agencies who are not able to follow up properly with the client. Our bond and relationship with the client enables essential services to be utilized instead of forgotten or neglected by the client.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AND RECOGNITION!
SF Revival has been working closely with many of San Francisco's homeless advocacy groups. We have been fortunate to work with San Francisco's Ten Year Plan Implementation Council and its members, including Chairwoman Angela Alioto. SF Revival recently received a letter of support from Angela on behalf of the Ten Year Council:
On behalf of the San Francisco Ten Year Plan Implementation Council (hereafter Council), I would like to commend the work of the San Francisco Bar Association, San Francisco Revival Ministry, and the Local Homeless Coordinating Board in establishing the website wiki, SFHomeless.net.
The SFHomeless.net website has the potential to be of significant assistance to advocates, professionals and friends of those who have no roof over their heads. The Council is also encouraged by your Street Angel program, which could be the next step in using "people power" to help those on the street get into permanent supportive housing faster and more efficiently.