Cities around the world clear homeless encampments in preparation of hosting major events. The City of San Francisco, California, did the same before the week-long Super Bowl activities in 2016. But some local artists banded together to address the city's homeless issue in a different way - to provide warmth but also invite conversation and create visibility for a community that most would rather not see. "Our goal is to use creativity to unite," says Annice Jacoby, founder of the Undercover project. "We’re making a visual statement, making a ceremony of care; it’s a mechanism to address this problem." The project has inspired efforts for compassionate connection with disenfranchised people around the world.

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  • Kristin Pedemonti

    Beautiful use of creativity combined with humanity <3

  • Allan

    Art for the people-- like murals-- grounds them.

  • Beth

    The whole idea and the desire to both provide something practical and needed, as well as go beyond that and help to change the image of homelessness and bring more humanity and relating into our interactions are very inspiring! A further step might be having the people for whom this is about also be at the table in it's design and implementation, and in the dissemination of the ponchos, which would be very empowering for them and for the project. This way, the gifts and skills each homeless person has are honored. Having a way to give is something that brings such dignity and respect for oneself and others.

  • Gavriella Velategui

    Everything about this is inspiring: the compassion, the caring, the generosity, and maybe most of all the ease of connection between the givers and receivers. Can you bring this project to other cities, like Seattle, where I live and where the need is becoming more apparent every day?

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  • See how you can help the homeless in San Francisco by learning more on the Episcopal Community Services SF website.
  • Across America, more than 500,000 people are homeless on any given night. Learn more about populations at risk and the state of the issue in the nation. 
  • Is there a homeless population in your area? Learn how to pack a care kit for those in need. 

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