“We would not be here if it weren’t for our community and our customers. How are we going to give back and make sure that opportunities are open to all people? And how can you?”
Shelby Saso Zamudio, Director of Community Engagement
It isn’t uncommon to encounter people experiencing homelessness while working and living in our community. Often, these interactions can be uncomfortable and leave people and businesses unsure of how to respond and what to think. While some may just look away – or worse, respond with hostility – one local family-owned company made the conscious decision to deepen its understanding of the homelessness crisis and the very people most impacted by this crisis in our community.
Operating in Silicon Valley since 1982, local commercial maintenance company Pro-Sweep has a philosophy of building a reciprocal relationship of care and support with their community. The company leaned into its commitment to continual learning and community engagement when it connected with us here at Destination: Home. Our team was invited to present to their employees about the realities of homelessness in their community – and what they can do as individual community members. Employees engaged with the content, asked thoughtful questions, and gained a broader understanding of the complexities surrounding homelessness, leaving the session with actionable insights and a renewed sense of purpose in being part of the solution.
“It’s so easy to make assumptions and close off…but after the presentation from Destination: Home, even in day-to-day interactions our team has a whole different perspective on how they approach situations,” shared Vice President, Andrew Saso.
In addition to engaging its employees in deeper learning about homelessness, supporting the work to solve homelessness has become a part of the organization’s community engagement approach. Pro-Sweep has supported Heading Home, a countywide initiative aimed at ending family homelessness, since 2022. The company helps fund and assemble move-in kits packed with essentials like bedding, cleaning supplies, toiletries, and kitchen starter sets for formerly homeless families. These kits are vital in welcoming families into their new homes with dignity and all the necessities.
In addition, the company donates up to 2% of its annual gross profits to local nonprofits, organizes volunteer opportunities for employees, and empowers each employee with up to $1,000 annually to donate to a nonprofit of their choice. When it partners with local nonprofits, Pro-Sweep commits to multi-year donations that support programs and activities identified by the nonprofits. They also participate in hands-on volunteer work with many nonprofit partners to foster a deeper connection between staff and the community.
Pro-Sweep plans to expand its engagement with local nonprofit partners, involve its clients in volunteer opportunities, and inspire other local businesses to increase their community engagement. An excellent model for any local organization looking to give back to the community it serves – and support every member including those who are homeless or formerly homeless – the company remains committed to the place it calls home.
