San Francisco AIDS Foundation

Right in the heart of the Castro, San Francisco AIDS Foundation’s Substance Health program is showing what compassionate, nonjudgmental support really looks like in San Francisco, California. It’s not too far off from Oracle Park and the inner bay where Treasure Island is located.

They specialize in working with queer, gay, bisexual and same-gender-loving men. They also serve trans and nonbinary people, and they’ve created a space where you don’t have to explain your identity to feel seen or supported.

Harm Reduction That Meets You Where You Are

What’s so striking about this program is that they’ll walk with you through the essiness, whether you’re unhoused, living with HIV or hepatitis C, over 50 or navigating mental health challenges. Everything from group sessions to individual counseling is offered through a harm reduction lens meaning the goal is better health and not just sobriety.

And the case goes beyond the clinic, too. Their 6th Street Center in the Tenderloin offers a safe and welcoming space to grab health supplies, learn about overdose prevention, or just breathe in a safe environment. Services are all free and federally funded too.

Options to Meet You Where You’re At

This isn’t a one-size-fits-all treatment program. You’ll find outpatient services, virtual options and counseling through the Stonewall Project. The Stonewall Project focuses on harm reduction rather than abstinence. Whether you’re cutting back, using or exploring change you’ll be welcomed without pressure.

They also offer Suboxone here. For people who are looking to manage their opioid use, they offer access harm reduction kits that have safer use supplies like sterile syringes and naloxone to prevent overdoses.