The Campion Guidance Center for Men provides a range of services to help economically disadvantaged men, more than 75% of whom are homeless. Opened in 2003, the Center receives nearly 16,000 visits each year. The Center is part of SVdP’s downtown Oakland Community Center campus.

Services that men rely on at the Center include:

• Shower facilities and hygiene kits
• Laundry facilities
• Respite from the street
• Clothing distribution
• Personal care services
• Phone and voicemail service, email access
• Transportation vouchers
• Health seminars
• Housing referrals
• Domestic violence referrals
• Peer discussion and support groups
• Referral to Community Center services, including classes and job training

The Champion Center operates with a peer support model, offering clients the opportunity to help run the Center services. These internships provide valuable experience, a feeling of connection and a sense of responsibility. Most importantly, though, internships allow men who are unseen and unheard by much of society the opportunity to gain meaning and identity through helping one another.