If you are a family that is homeless or on the verge of homelessness, call
1-888-811-SAFE
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the program work?
The Adopt-a-Family program matches individuals or group donors with a family who has experienced circumstances which have made it difficult or impossible for the caregivers. Donors provide gifts from a wish list compiled by the family. Sometimes children (and some parents) get carried away and ask for expensive items. Please do not be offended by this. Donors are NOT obligated to buy everything on the list. Once the families receive their gifts, they are asked to write thank you cards. These are forwarded to the donors by Compass staff.How are families chosen to be adopted?
Families in the Adopt-a-Family program are families already accessing services from Compass Community Services programs (Compass Family Center, Connecting Point, Clara House, Tenderloin Childcare Center and/or Positive Parenthood Project).How many families get adopted each year?
Last year, over 300 families were adopted. Tough financial times, however, have resulted in an increase in the number of families seeking our services, and we anticipate that we will serve even more families this year.How much are donors expected to spend on one family?
This is up to you as we do not have a price requirement this year; however, we are asking donors to purchase:
- At least two gifts for each Adult
- At least three gifts for each child (18 and under)
- A gift card to a grocery or department store (i.e. Safeway or Target)
- In addition, you may also purchase a “family gift” that is listed on the wish list. You may also include stockings for each family member to make the holiday feel more festive.
You can use these guidelines to help you determine what size family you are comfortable adopting. We have asked families to create their wish lists with these parameters in mind. However, like the rest of us, many of our families have bigger wishes and needs so we have also made space on the wish list form for them to include a larger request, which you are not obligated to fulfill. The wish list is a guide to help you understand what the family’s needs and wishes are. You do not have to buy everything on the family’s wish list.
How and when will I receive my family's wish list?
Families will begin to fill out their wish lists in September. Wish lists will continue to come in through December. We will begin to send wish lists to donors at the beginning of October. As soon as we receive a wish list that meets your specifications, we will email it to you.What is the family ID number?
Each wish list will have a unique number that identifies the family. It is extremely important to have EVERY WRAPPED GIFT CLEARLY MARKED WITH THIS NUMBER. It will help ensure that the right gifts get to the right family.How should I package and label the gifts?
Please wrap and label each gift with the name of the family member and the family ID#. Once all of your gifts are wrapped and labeled, place them in a large plastic bag (s). Please label the bag with the family ID number and list how many bags you have for the family. For example label the bag (s) 1 of 1 or 1 of 2 or 2 of 2, etc. If you have more than one family, please use separate bags for each family.What if I can't drop my gifts off on December 12th?
Please make every effort to drop off your gifts on this day. We will have a large number of volunteers present on that day specifically for this purpose. On other days, receiving gift deliveries takes our staff away from the important work of assisting families in need. Drop off on December 12th will be quick, simple and most efficient. If you absolutely can not drop-off on December 12th, please contact Kristin Mansfield at kmansfield@compass-sf.org or (415) 644-0504 x306 to arrange an alternate date/time.I was expecting a family in need to have necessities like socks and underwear on their wish lists. But the children in the family I’m adopting have asked for electronic games and brand-name shoes. What should I make of this?
Families living in poverty constantly do without, yet they live in a society that flaunts material wealth, brand names and luxury items at every turn. At Compass, we believe that a poor child, and even a poor adult, has as much of a right to wish for a gift that is not a basic necessities as does their middle class counterpart. At the same time, we work with each family to create a wish list that is realistic. Please remember that, as a donor, you do not have to fulfill all of a family’s wishes.I want to do something special for the family that I'm adopting. What do you suggest?
Movie tickets and gift certificates for local restaurants are very much appreciated as many of our families do not have the means to do these special activities. Diapers are a welcome surprise for families with babies.Can I also donate gently used items to my adopted family?
Yes. In addition to the required number of gifts per family member, you may also include gently used items that you feel the family would like and benefit from. Keep in mind the type of living situation your adopted family lives in such as shelter, transitional housing or permanent housing. If you do choose to donate in-kind items, please wrap and label those as well but please put a note on those items so the family knows they are used.Can I arrange for special services, like tutoring or dental work, for the family that I'm adopting?
Absolutely! In recent years, donors have successfully provided karate and ballet classes, dental work and airline tickets for families. We'll be glad to help you coordinate.Should I include a gift receipt?
Sure! Many donors include a separate envelope with all of the gift receipts, however, please be sure to label the envelope with the family ID number and place it in with the wrapped gifts.How does the family receive the gifts?
Most families will pick up their gifts at Compass Community Services. In some circumstances, Compass’ case managers will deliver the gifts to a family if the family is unable to get to us. All gifts are given to families before Christmas.I would like to meet the family I am adopting and take my children with me to drop-off the gifts at their home. Is this possible?
Compass Community Services ensures the confidentiality of each family receiving services. We absolutely do not make meeting a donor a pre-condition for participating in AAF. For many families, facing circumstances where they are reliant on the kindness of strangers to provide holiday gifts for their children can elate feelings of embarrassment, humiliation and shame. On the other hand, there are some families that are happy to meet their donor, and are appreciative of the opportunity to convey this personally. If meeting the family you are adopting is important to you, please be sure to indicate this in your donor information form. We will do all we can to match you with a family that is compatible with a meeting.Who do I contact if I have questions?
Please contact Kristin Mansfield at kmansfield@compass-sf.org or by phone at (415) 644-0504 x306.Is there anything else I should know?
If your group or organization has raised more funds than are needed to meet the family’s gift wishes, consider other items the family might need. Some examples include socks, underwear, hats, mittens, gift cards (Target, for example), or other practical items such as shampoo, toothpaste, personal care products, etc.Do the Opportunities and Younth Enrichment programs need volunteers?
Yes! Both programs need and welcome volunteers to help give homeless parents and children the support that they need to be successful.
The Opportunities Program needs tutors and mentors to work with adults. Many parents are working on their high school equivilency tests (G.E.D.), improving their computer skills and learning how to do well on an interview. We all need tutors who can help parents who are improving their English language skills. Spanish speaking volunteers are especially in demand.
The Youth Enrichment Program needs volunteers to help with a variety of activities like our cooking class and family literacy nights and field trips. Adults who can assist with homework are also in need.
Where exactly is the County Fair Building located?
The San Francisco County Fair Building is located in Golden Gate Park at the corner of 9th and Lincoln in Golden Gate Park There is ample street parking and also easily accessible by MUNI (Line N Judah, exit Irving and 9th).
What are popular gift ideas?
Action figures, radio control cars, make-up kits, Barbies and puzzles are very popular. The elementary/middle school girls also seem to really like jewelry making kits. Teens like gift cards.
What size diapers are most needed?
Sizes 2,3 and 4 are the most in demand, however, all sizes are needed. Because homelessness and transition can often slow down or reverse potty training progress, pull-ups and diaper sizes 5 and 6 are also needed.
Download the Adopt-a Family flyer to share with friends, family and co-workers here.
Download instructions and a flyer to host a toy drive here.
Download instructions and a flyer to host a diaper drive here.
Helping Families Find Their Way Since 1914
Compass helps families thrive by providing the assistance necessary to find and maintain stable housing, gain meaningful employment and raise healthy children. Each year Compass' five programs serve more than 3,000 parents and children on their journey to realizing their full potential.
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