Samson Tafolo spent part of his day on Skid Row in Los Angeles, counting how many people he helped during his outreach efforts. On March 26, 2025, he distributed essential supplies like water, hygiene products, and CBD gummies. His total tally reached 119 people in just 45 minutes. Tafolo is part of the Sidewalk Project, a nonprofit focused on harm reduction, which provides support to homeless individuals and those struggling with drug use.
The Sidewalk Project, along with similar organizations, faces an uncertain future due to shifts in political priorities. Recent announcements from the Trump administration about cutting federal funding have raised concerns among these groups. They worry that their vital services could be jeopardized, especially as they rely on reported numbers to secure grants.
Tafolo and his colleagues make their rounds several times a week, distributing supplies and collecting data for funding applications. The importance of these numbers has grown, particularly with the changing political landscape. Tafolo expressed that the uncertainty keeps them vigilant, saying, “It’s just a scare. It keeps us on our toes.”
The Sidewalk Project is one of many organizations providing resources to those in need. They offer sterile syringes and other supplies aimed at reducing the risks associated with drug use. While many advocates credit these programs with saving lives during the opioid crisis, critics argue they may encourage addiction.
In 2023, the Sidewalk Project reported distributing over 267,000 sterile syringes and collecting more than 53,000 used syringes. Despite this success, they were recently denied a grant due to questions surrounding their syringe service program. Soma Snakeoil, the nonprofit’s co-founder, noted that the lack of funding is concerning, especially as they have demonstrated effectiveness in their outreach.
As federal officials begin to cut back on funding for programs like HIV prevention, local leaders are worried about the impact on public health. Elly Jalayer, director of harm reduction at Bienestar Human Services, highlighted the potential consequences of these cuts, stating, “It’s definitely a different level of threat than normal.”
In San Francisco, Mayor Daniel Lurie has called for a reevaluation of the city’s approach to homelessness services, emphasizing accountability for organizations that provide supplies to drug users. He stated, “The days of just handing things out, and no accountability — those are over.”
The Sidewalk Project continues to advocate for harm reduction, emphasizing that programs providing clean syringes have been shown to prevent the spread of diseases. As the political climate shifts, those on Skid Row remain concerned about losing access to essential services. Community member Alvaro Rodriguez expressed his fears, saying, “I’m afraid Trump wants to shut down all this.”
As the Sidewalk Project and other similar organizations face an uphill battle for funding and support, the voices of those they serve remain crucial. Many, like Michelle Ortiz, who has lived on Skid Row for over a decade, attribute their survival and progress to the assistance they receive. Ortiz stated, “Without Sidewalk, I wouldn’t be here — it would’ve been different.”