Emma Kositsky MSFJTF

The video seen above is the end result of a community service project I did for my bat mitzvah. The goal of the video is to raise awareness about homelessness and to humanize people who are experiencing homelessness. Homelessness is very visible in San Francisco, and it is an issue that I am passionate about. Aside from the video, I have volunteered several times at Glide Memorial Church, participated in the Outward Bound City Skyline Challenge to raise money for Larkin Street Youth Services, and volunteered in childcare at the Homeless Prenatal Program. This year I am participating in the Marin San Francisco Jewish Teen Foundation as a board member. 

Board members learn about the practical skills related to philanthropy through a foundation, such as crafting a mission statement, fundraising, and giving grants. We also learn about how to approach these things from a Jewish perspective in tikkun olam (repairing the world) through tzedakah (charitable giving). The 2018-2019 MSFJTF has chosen to address homelessness.

The MSFJTF seeks to support those at risk of, or currently experiencing homelessness by providing access to quality healthcare and opportunities for education.

We will be giving the funds we raise to nonprofit organizations that address our mission statement locally, in Jewish communities, and in Israel.

• The City and County of San Francisco reports that in the 2017 San Francisco point-in-time homeless count, 6,986 individuals were in the general street and shelter count
• A study called Out of Reach 2018 conducted by the National Low Income Housing Coalition found that nowhere in the U.S. can a person who works 40 hours a week at the federal minimum wage ($7.25 an hour) afford a one-bedroom apartment at fair market rent
• A 2015 study by the Welfare Ministry found that 48% of the homeless population in Israel were immigrants from the Soviet Union, 32% were Israel-born Jews, 6% were Israeli Arabs, and around 3% were Ethiopian-born Israelis

The nonprofits we chose will receive either a $5,000 or $10,000 grant. We hope to raise a total of at least $50,000, and my personal goal is to raise $2,000 which includes my own donation of $100.

Please consider making a contribution to this cause before our priority deadline, which is April 29th.  Any amount would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much for your help in achieving my goal.

Feel free to contact me at emmakositsky@gmail.com with any questions.