Annual Report 2026
A year of meeting people where they are, on the streets of Redwood City, Menlo Park, and Palo Alto.
“Every meal served, every conversation, every moment of connection was made possible because you chose to care.”
David Shearin, Executive DirectorA message from our leadership
This past year at Street Life Ministries has been a powerful reminder of what a community can accomplish together: to meet people where they are, offer dignity in the midst of crisis, and walk with our unhoused neighbors toward stability and hope.
As the needs around us continue to grow, we remain committed to serving every person with dignity, compassion, and hope. The challenges facing our community are real, including rising homelessness, mental health crises, and the ongoing struggle for safe shelter. Yet in the middle of it all, we witnessed transformation.
We saw people take courageous steps toward sobriety, reunite with family, and rediscover their sense of worth. I am deeply grateful for our volunteers, partners, churches, donors, and staff.
24
Years of service
3
Cities served
The year in numbers
We adapted, we listened, and we grew stronger. As funding tightens and homelessness rises across San Mateo County, our determination to serve only deepened, and not a single service was missed.
45K
Meals served
850
Outreach contacts
30+
Housing placements
16K
Volunteer hours
9.5K
Clothing items
0
Services missed
Our mission
We share God's love by providing life-giving resources and Christ-centered gatherings to those living on the streets of the San Francisco Bay Area Peninsula. Through meals, guidance, and spiritual support, we walk with people in need with compassion, respect, and grace.
We prioritize relational care by building trust, showing consistency, and walking alongside individuals with compassion, dignity, and long-term support.
We are a community-supported, faith-based nonprofit serving the unhoused and those in crisis on the Peninsula, providing hot meals, street outreach, case management, resource navigation, and spiritual support.
Adults experiencing homelessness, individuals in crisis, people struggling with addiction or mental-health challenges, and anyone seeking safety, dignity, and connection.
Stories of transformation
Voices from the streets.
“Street Life Ministries helped me rebuild stability and hope.”
Arpit ‘AK’
Marine Corps veteran
Arpit connected with Street Life while navigating homelessness and addiction. Through consistent support from Outreach Manager Danny Hays, he accessed VA resources, secured housing in Redwood City, began therapy, and received help managing his finances. Today he lives a healthier, more stable life with his dog.
“Today I serve as a site captain. The support never stopped.”
Matt F.
Menlo Park site captain
Over 16 months, Street Life supported Matt through multiple inpatient programs. After a relapse and a return to homelessness, he reconnected with the ministry, which provided emergency housing and encouraged him to re-enter treatment. Today Matt lives in a sober-living home and serves as the Menlo Park site captain.
“Service did not just change the people I met. It changed me.”
A volunteer’s journey
From server to staff
What began with simply showing up to serve grew into deeper involvement through grant writing, and eventually a part-time role. Along the way came purpose, community, and a deeper understanding of how service transforms not only those we support, but those who serve.
How we serve
45,000 meals
Five nights a week, we serve hot, home-cooked meals with dignity. We expanded menu variety, strengthened food safety, and deepened partnerships.
850 contacts
We meet people where they are, in encampments, on sidewalks, and in crisis, providing support, crisis intervention, prayer, and connections to care.
Expanded aftercare
We walk alongside individuals navigating housing, benefits, medical care, and recovery, expanding aftercare to help clients stay stable once placed.
74 partners
Churches, schools, community groups, and businesses play a vital role. We trained new volunteer teams and strengthened local collaboration.
We welcomed new team member TJ Louie and developed an app to track and support clients after they leave the county system. The team interacted with nearly 900 individuals and placed 30+ people into stable situations.
Financial stewardship
Transparency, accountability, maximum impact.
$766,702
Total revenue
$765,822
Total expenses
$880
Net
“We steward every dollar with care to directly support our community.”
Powered by people
16,000 volunteer hours invested in cooking, serving, outreach, and support, the foundation of everything we do.
24
Partnering churches
12
Corporate groups
10
Community groups
74
Total partners
Through collaborations with Peninsula Covenant Church and Menlo Church, we hosted outreach events, meal services, and community initiatives across the region.
Homelessness in San Mateo County rose 18% between 2022 and 2024. As demand grows and funding tightens, our partners make it possible to serve more people.
Cooking, serving, outreach, and support, the foundation of everything we do.
Join the TeamThe road forward
After three years of planning, evaluations, and city approvals, Transformation House is nearing construction, with permits expected soon and opening anticipated within 11 to 14 months.
“And we are grateful to have you with us. Together, we are bringing hope to the streets.”
Stay involved
Whether through volunteering time, making donations, or simply building community, every act of support helps us expand our outreach and serve individuals with dignity, compassion, and care. Your involvement changes lives.
Street Life Ministries is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, EIN 45-3602635. 901 Madison Avenue, Redwood City, CA 94061.