November 17, 2011
This facelift goes more than skin deep
We often talk about giving a space a “facelift”—new window coverings, some new chairs, a fresh coat of paint. But Teknion was involved in a special kind of facelift: a radical one that, going far beyond the cosmetic, demonstrated the true ability of design to improve lives.
San Francisco’s largest homeless shelter, St. Vincent de Paul Multi-Service Center (MSC) South, was languishing under funding cuts and a rundown space. Cluttered and uninviting, the facility was a place where tension would often erupt into fights, and staff struggled to find pleasure in their work.
In an incredible effort headed by the IIDA’s Northern California chapter and Philanthropy by Design (a volunteer network of design professionals), St. Vincent de Paul MSC South underwent a thorough makeover. Over $750 million in donated products and services, four years of hard work, and countless volunteer hours later, the facility has been transformed into a benchmark for all other shelters in the city—and around the world.
Susan Jue, Philanthropy Lead at IIDA, says, “We wanted to make this environment homelike. We wanted to make it safe. And we wanted to ensure that, when people came here, the feeling of acceptance enveloped them.”
Mission accomplished. A sense of calm and community now pervades the space. The facility, at one time half-empty, now runs at full capacity—400 people every night! And an entire wall is decorated with letters from grateful residents.
What’s different? An uplifting color palette and positive messages by Gensler such as strength and respect, brighten the shelter’s sleeping areas. Comfortable furniture and an opaque resin panel create an inviting living room. Brand-new lighting and a custom mural of an outdoor scene bring new life to the once-gloomy dining room, while Teknion café tables banish the old institutional feel. Residents now find applying for work and housing much easier in the facility’s prized computer room. And staff? A Teknion modular filing cabinet at the front desk allows them to handle reams of check-in paperwork with ease—and they enjoy the comforts of a break room outfitted with custom cabinetry and private lockers donated by Teknion.
“As a result of the renovation of this facility, we have been able to re-establish dignity and respect in many of the people that we serve,” shares Lessy Benedith, Director of the St. Vincent de Paul MSC South. “The residents have been moved by the efforts of all the volunteers to revive the shelter, which has truly become a place of hope, of new beginnings. And our staff really enjoys coming to work now”. It’s been an amazing journey of transformation.”
At the completion party in May, hosted by Teknion in our San Francisco Showroom, the room—filled with the many donors, volunteers, shelter staff and government officials involved—was brought to tears by the testimonies of former residents who had managed, with the shelter’s help, to get back on their feet and regain their independence.
San Francisco may hold the dubious honor of being the Homeless Capital of the World. But, judging by these efforts, “Generosity Capital of the World” might be more appropriate.
To watch a video about this inspiring project, click here.
