Transforming the energy in traumatized urban spaces.
We’re a social enterprise that engages with situations where extreme poverty meets homelessness, mental illness and addiction.
When a neighborhood, street or intersection earns a reputation as a place to avoid, we turn it around. Urban Alchemy is a peaceful and supportive presence, inviting communities to rebuild and restore a sense of pride and respect in urban spaces.
We’re able to do this because we share a special bond with society’s most vulnerable – and because we see ourselves in their struggle. We know what it means to be dismissed and disrespected. We recognize the humanity in those who are struggling and we treat them how we once wished others had treated us.
Urban Alchemy has been an invaluable partner in keeping our city safe, clean, and welcoming for all. Every day Urban Alchemy’s workers are out on the streets providing essential services and support for so many in our city, and we appreciate their continued partnership in bringing out the best of San Francisco.
- Mayor London BreedFew people know how to withstand the trauma and chaos we see on the streets – it’s usually those who have endured it themselves. Most of our team have served life sentences in prison. Employers aren’t bending over backwards to hire returning citizens. But at Urban Alchemy, their skills are sought-after.
Meet Our PractitionersStatistics only tell half the story. Our people tell the rest.