Since 1981, Operation Nightwatch has focused on building community and relationships with those deemed “unworthy of citizenry.” Marginalized by society, whether experiencing poverty, social isolation, loneliness, homelessness, mental illness, and/or addiction, Nightwatch has consistently provided a welcoming place for all. We recognize the complex ways intersecting axes of oppression impact our community's mental and overall well-being, inevitably resulting in adverse health outcomes that reduce both quality and length of life. Our Mental Health Initiative has evolved to help address these issues, build more meaningful connections, as well as offer low-barrier, cost-free mental health and support to our most vulnerable community members. Led by a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, our Mental Health Director has provided services during regular program hours and beyond for the past eight years. With generous funding from the Joint Office of Homeless Services we recently added two Mental Health Specialists and one Peer Support Specialist to provide added support for our ever growing community during program hours. 

Operation Nightwatch’s work that began in 1981 continues to be relevant today. The work we do may not equate to concise quantitative data but our impact remains significant. Our organization is a secure base where initiating relationships with those most wary of social service providers is a process of patience and compassion where in time, deep trust can grow and thrive. We create an environment for individuals to explore what it means to be seen and heard without conditions, without a transactional model nor mentality. With the continued rise of social media, the impact of a global pandemic, and the ever growing "myth of connection," individuals are reporting feeling more socially isolated and more lonely than ever before in recent history. In an age consumed by materialism, Operation Nightwatch stands apart. Our initial contacts with individuals are not prematurely geared towards hard-lined expectations of working towards citizenry (ie. housing, SSI, SSDI, food stamp benefits, health insurance, ect…). Without genuine, intentional connection woven within the entire process of attaining these things, success, wholeness, happiness, purpose and meaning can not be achieved. The generalized “success” model of service provision where individuals are mere numbers, as in numbers on a shelter or housing wait list, numbers on a domicile unknown report, numbers on a government dashboard etc…does not exemplify our mission.  Attaching these types of “successes” or losses to our guests is dehumanizing and does not represent our community. Our first intentional interactions are ones of authenticity and openness, of unconditional positive regard for each person who comes to us no matter their set of circumstances.

It is a privilege to hear their stories. 

This page was last updated July 13th, 2024