About Urban Angels SF

Urban Angels SF gives dignity and hope to children facing homelessness and poverty in San Francisco through holistic, year-round educational support.

Urban Angels SF is an IRS 501(c)(3) charity, tax I.D. #84-3536488

Donations are tax-deductible.

Contact us anytime.

Our Team
Our Partners
Our Story

Urban Angels SF began in 2015 when three high school seniors raised $80, bought hot burritos, and handed them out to people living on the streets of San Francisco. That small act of kindness sparked a movement. Over the next few years, volunteers and donors joined in, distributing thousands of meals, clothing, and essential supplies to those in need.

By 2024, we saw a deeper calling. Rather than just handing out fish, it was time to teach children how to fish. Today, Urban Angels SF focuses on educational support for San Francisco’s most underserved students through our Rise Up SF! campaign: high-impact one-on-one reading tutoring, year-round book lending, parent mentoring, and an annual backpack and school supplies giveaway for 1,000 students.

The need is urgent. Nearly half of San Francisco’s third graders are not reading at grade level—and for children living in poverty, experiencing homelessness, or learning English, that number rises to 60–70%. Without early support, these students are unlikely to catch up, placing them at risk of lifelong challenges. But with timely, targeted help, they can thrive in school and build brighter futures.

At Urban Angels SF, every program, every volunteer, and every donation works toward one goal: breaking the cycle of disadvantage through literacy and learning. Together, we can give children the tools, confidence, and opportunity they need to succeed—and build a stronger, more equitable San Francisco.

 

OUR MISSION

Urban Angels SF gives dignity and hope to children facing homelessness and poverty in San Francisco through holistic, year-round educational support.

We provide tutoring, school supplies, parent mentoring, access to books, and seasonal programs that give at-risk children, their families, and their communities the tools and encouragement needed for the children to reach their full potential.

OUR VISION

We envision a San Francisco where every child — regardless of housing status or income — has the support, resources, and opportunities to succeed in school and in life.

Urban Angels SF is creating this future for underserved students by building confidence, community support, and programs that focus on improving literacy.

OUR VALUES

  • EQUITY - We believe every child deserves access to quality education and opportunities, regardless of their housing status or family income.

  • DIGNITY - We serve with humility and honor the resilience and worth of every child and family we support.

  • COMPASSION - We meet children and families with empathy, respect, and a deep appreciation for the challenges they face.

  • COMMUNITY - We build trusted partnerships with donors, schools, shelters, volunteers, and families to strengthen our collective impact.

  • CONSISTENCY - We are committed to showing up year-round—through tutoring, book lending, seasonal campaigns, and mentorship—to provide stability and ongoing support.

  • EMPOWERMENT THROUGH EDUCATION - We view literacy and learning as powerful tools that will unlock potential and break the cycle of poverty.

Our Impact

Our 2024 IMpact Report

Take a look at the impact YOU made in 2024!

Our 2023 IMpact Report

Take a look at the impact YOU made in 2023!

Our 2022 IMpact Report

Take a look at the impact YOU made in 2022!

Our 2021 Impact Report

A celebration of all Urban Angels SF accomplished in 2021 thanks to our generous donors, dedicated volunteers and supporters.

Our 2020 IMpact Report

Beyond helping our neighbors facing homelessness cope with the pandemic, we managed to bring joy! Our School Supply Drive for elementary school children living in SF’s family shelters provided 240 new backpacks filled with supplies and a 30-unit electronic device charging station for learning devices. In our Toy Drive, we made the holidays special for 350 children when they received new toys. A small but important way to show these children they are loved and valued despite their hard circumstances.