Type: Non-profit Homeless Shelter & Services
Headquarters: Leavenworth House, Tenderloin
Leavenworth House is a non-profit organization that provides temporary shelter and vital services to the city’s homeless population, often referred to as The Drift. Established by Damian Vale, the founder of Envirotech, the organization has become a cornerstone of support for San Francisco’s most vulnerable communities.
Overview
Founded by billionaire philanthropist Damian Vale, Leavenworth House was conceived as a safe haven for the city’s growing homeless population. It opened its primary shelter in the historic Leavenworth Building in the fall of 2012, and has opened subsequent facilities in Oakland and San Jose.
The shelter has since expanded its services to house and serve over 5,000 people annually. The organization offers not only temporary housing but also employment services, addiction counseling, and mental health support, making it a holistic service provider for the displaced and disadvantaged in San Francisco.
Mission
The mission of Leavenworth House is to provide safe, secure shelter and comprehensive services to help individuals and families transition out of homelessness. It aims to restore dignity, offer support, and foster a sense of community, while advocating for long-term solutions to end homelessness in the city.
Leavenworth Building
The main shelter occupies the historic five-story Leavenworth Building in the heart of San Francisco’s Tenderloin District, a neighborhood known for its struggles with poverty and homelessness. Its central location makes it accessible to those most in need.
The acquisition of the building sparked controversy due to claims of forced evictions and political favoritism from the city.
Key Figures
- Damian Vale - Founder and philanthropist, known for his involvement in high-profile charitable work as well as his controversial leadership of Envirotech.
Key Characteristics
- Non-profit: Leavenworth House operates as a 501(c)(3) organization, relying on private donations, government grants, and corporate partnerships to fund its operations.
- Holistic Services: Beyond providing shelter, the organization offers health services, job placement programs, addiction recovery, and education initiatives.
- Community Outreach: Regular drives, workshops, and public initiatives aimed at empowering the homeless population and raising awareness about the root causes of homelessness.
Controversies
Rumors persist about ulterior motives behind Leavenworth House, with unsubstantiated claims that residents are subjected to unauthorized experiments, or worse, that individuals mysteriously disappear after staying there.
Though no hard evidence has surfaced, these allegations create a cloud of suspicion around the non-profit and threaten its reputation. The organization has consistently denied any wrongdoing, dismissing claims as baseless conspiracy theories perpetuated by opponents of Damian Vale and his ventures.
Media
None for now.