On October 18, 2025, hundreds of homeless residents gathered at Guadalupe Park in San Jose, California, for a community clean-up event organized by the nonprofit Neighborhood Hands. Participants received a $20 cash stipend for their efforts, which not only allowed them to contribute to the park’s upkeep but also provided a sense of belonging and purpose.
For many attending, such as Debrina Tenorio, the program has been transformative. Just 18 months prior, Tenorio faced homelessness, struggling with self-esteem and stability. Today, she has moved into interim housing, reconnected with her family, and even taken on a supervisory role at her job. “I’m proud to say that I continue to give back to the community,” Tenorio shared, reflecting on her journey and the impact of Neighborhood Hands.
Founded in 2018 by Bill Sullivan, Neighborhood Hands aims to empower unhoused individuals while challenging stereotypes associated with homelessness. Sullivan began the initiative by enlisting a small group from a local encampment to help clean Columbus Park. With minimal resources, he saw the participants’ enthusiasm grow, and the event blossomed into a routine gathering.
The program has evolved significantly since its inception, now attracting up to 275 participants at times. Each clean-up is followed by a community resource fair, offering services such as medical, legal, and housing assistance. “It has become a big ol’ party in the park, as we like to call it,” noted Brian Powers, Executive Director of Neighborhood Hands.
Despite the program’s success, funding challenges have led to the limitation of stipends to 200 participants per event. Neighborhood Hands is currently seeking $20,000 from Wish Book to sustain five Saturday morning programs. “We want to link people up with resources that will ultimately help them on hopefully a journey out of homelessness,” explained Kama Fletcher, Director of Development.
Participants benefit from more than just financial support; they also gain access to essential resources in a welcoming environment. Luis Palacios, a program manager who once experienced homelessness himself, emphasized the importance of community in navigating the complexities of life without stable housing. His personal journey from a participant to a leadership role illustrates the program’s potential for meaningful change.
Volunteers from the local community, like Mike Neunfinger, have also found personal growth through their involvement. Neunfinger shared how his perspective on unhoused individuals shifted, highlighting the importance of understanding their stories and humanity. “If you reach out and get to know them as a person, that gives them the dignity and gives you the dignity, too,” he stated.
As the event concluded, participants and volunteers celebrated their collective efforts, showcasing the power of community in addressing homelessness. Neighborhood Hands continues to play a crucial role in bridging the gap between housed and unhoused individuals, fostering empathy and understanding in San Jose.
The ongoing impact of this initiative underscores the need for sustained support from organizations and the public alike. As Neighborhood Hands looks to the future, its commitment to uplifting the lives of those facing homelessness remains steadfast, embodying the essence of community resilience and hope.
