Director's Note, Spring 2026

Hi Everyone,

It’s been a busy start to the year, and as we move into spring, things are only picking up. With recent federal funding cuts and the closure of a local resource center, we’re seeing more people than ever coming through our doors.

At the end of December 2025, Uptown Community Service Center closed and referred their mail clients to us. Since January, we’ve already enrolled over 200 new people in our mail program. We’ve also learned there is a proposal to close the Neil Good Day Center due to city budget restraints, and we anticipate additional individuals will turn to TACO for support if that happens. Last year alone, we handled more than 33,000 pieces of mail for over 1,800 active clients. By the end of 2026, we expect that number to grow to another 2,500 or more.

We’re also feeling the impact of two shower programs in the area no longer providing services, which has created a real gap in basic hygiene access downtown. Thankfully, we were able to get our donated truck and shower trailer up and running and begin stepping in to meet that need.

It’s still a learning process, but in just a few months, we’ve already provided over 150 showers. If you have any bath towels to donate, we will gladly put them to good use.

All of this means more demand on TACO, but it also means more opportunity to show up for people in a real and meaningful way.

Now more than ever, your support matters. Whether it’s volunteering your time or making a financial contribution, it truly makes a difference. We can use help preparing and serving meals, sorting and handing out clothing, distributing mail, helping during our shower service, and helping guests charge their devices.

You can also support us by joining us at our Empty Bowls event on May 9th. It’s a simple but powerful event where guests make a small donation, choose a handcrafted bowl, and share a meal together. We have soups from Ponce’s Mexican Food, Georges at the Cove, Pt. Loma Seafood and many more. It’s a reminder that something as basic as a warm bowl of soup can bring comfort, connection, and dignity. Every dollar raised helps us continue serving over 500 hot meals each week to people who rely on TACO.

Bring a friend, bring your family, and come spend some time with us. We’d love to have you.

With gratitude,

Lorena Galligan

Director