Faithful Fools is a community of people who live and work in the Tenderloin District of San Francisco (in a building at 425 Hyde St. that’s painted purple). It was co-founded in 1998 by Kay Jorgensen, a Unitarian Universalist minister, and is still going strong.

Kay worked at the Unitarian Universalist Society of San Francisco, dedicating her efforts to connecting the Tenderloin neighborhood (just a 10 minute walk down the hill) to the Church. The Tenderloin has a reputation, which for some is negative, but for others, is vibrant and creative.

The Faithful Fools’ mission is to live a life of “presence” there, to acknowledge each resident’s inherent worth.  Being aware of their own and other people’s judgments, they encounter people in their neighborhood where and as they are.

To do this, they often take—and lead guests on–long, leisurely all-day walks through the Tenderloin streets, to interact with residents and shatter myths about people who live in poverty.  These observations and conversations enable walkers “to see the light, courage, intelligence, strength, and creativity of the people they meet.”

Isolation is a symptom of poverty, so the Faithful Fools offer “accompaniment,” which may mean helping their neighbors access home furnishings when they get housing, provide rental support when they’re at risk of eviction, being with them as they stand in line, fill out forms, or wait on hold to set up an appointment.

They may provide continuity of care after someone’s discharge from a hospital, or through treatment for cancer. They may offer companionship to get through difficult times like a divorce or eviction; or to celebrate a birth or marriage. Their accompaniment creates a relationship that transforms charitable service into community.

March 7, 2025