As the holiday season approaches, consider giving back to the community by supporting these five local organizations.

The Welcome Home Project’s Sam Soy (left) presents a package of cleaning and hygiene items to a caseworker for a formerly homeless client.

Welcome Home Project

The Welcome Home Project, founded in 2015, helps San Francisco-based families experiencing homelessness—and transitioning into permanent housing—by providing them with daily necessities like new bedding, towels, dishes, pots and pans, and small appliances. Through these services, the Welcome Home Project reduces the financial strain on the households it serves. 301 Grove St., 415.431.8500, ext. 1125

LavaMaeX founder Doniece Sandoval at downtown SF Pop-Up Care Village.

LavaMaeX

Nonprofit LavaMaeX teaches people around the world how they can bring mobile showers and other essential care services to the streets and directly serves people experiencing homelessness in San Francisco, Oakland and Los Angeles. Founder Doniece Sandoval believes it’s impossible to ignore those experiencing homelessness in the city and strives to give them dignity. Over time, the organization has consulted other service providers, such as Clean the World and Brooklyn Community Services, about its operational model, thus allowing LavaMaeX to offer showers to the homeless. Since 2013, LavaMaeX has served more than 33,000 people, providing each one with support and a sense of community. 1701 Monarch St., Ste. 200, Alameda, 415.872.6950

There are many ways to give back this season in San Francisco.

Imprint City

Through performing and visual arts events, Imprint City activates neighborhoods throughout the Bay Area to encourage economic growth and increase public safety. Previous events held by Imprint City have included outdoor art shows, a talent competition, a wellness workshop, a street light festival and tours of community gardens. Since its establishment in 2016, these events have attracted more than 15,000 participants and 200 local businesses. 415.218.3434

The Transgender District

The Transgender District, which stretches six blocks in southeastern Tenderloin and two blocks on Sixth Street, is the first legally recognized transgender district in the world. Co-founded in 2017 by three Black trans women (Honey Mahogany, Janetta Johnson and Aria Sa’id), the district aims to preserve and develop transgender culture and provide work opportunities for trans people in the district. Programming includes housing projects for the trans communities, art programming and festivals. 1067 Market St.

Mission Food Hub

In response to COVID, Mission Food Hub was founded in 2020 to help communities overcome hunger throughout San Francisco. Providing nutritious meals for thousands of families each week, Mission Food Hub is a source of food security for many, even for those in quarantine through delivery service. 701 Alabama St., 415.206.0577