We’re as diverse as those we serve. And...we’re not all girls.
The whole thing started over dinner. It was Oct. 5, 2006 and nine women gathered at co-founder Rachel Jensen’s home to discuss the challenges of homelessness. We’d passed many of our displaced neighbors on the streets and it was becoming increasingly clear that, while a few bucks here and a meal there were temporarily helpful, there had to be a tangible way to restore basic dignity to these individuals. They were citizens, after all, just like you and like us. Some were mothers and fathers, another someone’s child and yet another forgotten after becoming disabled during war. Many had endured great tragedy.
That night, we decided to call ourselves Girls Think Tank, originating from “girlfriends.” We are now many members strong and our efforts are reaching the masses. From our signature project -- distributing survival backpacks to displaced men, women and children on the streets during the coldest months – to standing with them at City Council, we’ve learned that by speaking – and acting – out, real change occurs. This year, in collaboration with the wonderful Dave “The Waterman” Ross, our work has resulted in City Council’s approval of $700,000 to fund public water and restrooms. That’s local change that sincerely matters.
We are the proud recipients of San Diego Channel 10 News’s 2008 Leadership Award for our work on homelessness, firmly establishing Girls Think Tank as a vital group of community changemakers.
Girls Think Tank is a federal 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and California public benefit corporation.