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What to do if a homeless person is sleeping on your porch?

If you observe a homeless person sleeping on private property, such as a doorway of an apartment or office building, residents can call the San Francisco Homeless Outreach Team by dialing 311.

How much does it cost to build a shed yourself?
How much does it cost to build a shed yourself?

LawnStarter estimates that a 6x4 shed (providing a 24-square-foot floorplan) will range between $480 and $4,200, whereas a 10x12 (measuring out at...

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Can you put decking on a rubber roof?
Can you put decking on a rubber roof?

EPDM rubber roofing can be installed to a few different surfaces, but it works best when it adheres to timber deckings such as roofing grade...

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Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

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SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) -- San Francisco has one of the highest percentages of people living on the streets of any major city in the United States. The number of homeless individuals counted in the 2013 San Francisco Homeless Count & Survey was over 7,300 -- the majority who are visible on daily basis living on the streets with their belongings. While the city attempts to create long-term homelessness solutions with job, housing and mental health resources, residents concerned about a homeless person or quality of life in their community can take several immediate and compassionate steps. If you observe a homeless person sleeping on private property, such as a doorway of an apartment or office building, residents can call the San Francisco Homeless Outreach Team by dialing 311. The team, a collaboration between the San Francisco Department of Public Health and Human Services Agency, uses a "whatever it takes" approaches to get people off the streets and into shelters, substance abuse programs and emergency care as needed. RELATED: San Francisco Saint Mary's Cathedral Drenches Homeless With Water To Keep Them Away A Street Outreach team responds to requests from citizens, care coordinators, police and hospitals Monday through Friday, 24 hours a day. In less than two hours, two members of the team will go out to the reported site and work with the homeless person on shelter and care options. Team members, many whom have previously experienced homelessness, start by engaging a homeless person in conversation to identify their needs with the goal of transferring them to a safe shelter and eventually into stable housing. If they don't succeed at first, they make an effort to come back a couple more times to persuade the person. If the team is unsuccessful, they advise residents to call the Department of Public Works at (415) 554-8200 and file a report. Once it's on the Department of Public Works radar, it's likely a homeless person will move, or risk having the city throw away their belongings. While it's not an ideal situation, Angie David with the Homeless Outreach Team says it may be enough to persuade a person to seek out safer alternatives. Police can also threaten to take a homeless person to jail if they're committing a violation such as trespassing or just ask them to move along, but it's unlikely address some of the deeper underlying issues affecting homeless people. And if you feel comfortable, it's worth engaging a homeless person in conversation by asking how their day was and if you can help with something, like help them make a call to a family member. Living in an urban setting with sky-high rent and inundated social services makes encountering homelessness an unavoidable experience. David said sometimes a little bit of compassion can go a long way. For more tips and information, residents can call San Francisco's Homeless Outreach Team at (415) 355-7555 or 311.

How big of a shed can I build on skids?
How big of a shed can I build on skids?

The maximum distance between the skids should be 6 feet at center for 2×6 floor joists. If the distance is greater, add 1 or more skids between the...

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Are metal sheds fireproof?
Are metal sheds fireproof?

Metal sheds are considered one of the best fire-resistant materials for your bike, garden or motorbike. If placed in direct heat, they can get hot...

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Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

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What can I use instead of polymeric sand?

When looking for alternatives to polymeric sand, you will also want to find high quality materials. There are other products, such as EnviroSAND, EnviroSTONE and EnviroPATH on the market that are able to stop water erosion from occurring.

Alternatives to Polymeric Sand

Many DIYers think that polymeric sand is the only option available to use with many hardscape projects. However, there are issues which arise from the use of this sand. Finding alternatives to polymeric sand can help you to change the look of your pathway. Polymeric sand leaves behind residue that causes a white haze on paving stones The chemicals are also known to crack easily which leads to them washing away over a short period of time. To avoid this you’ll need to find a different option. There are various alternatives to polymeric sand available. Looking for organic sand or materials for paving stones is one option. With organic materials, you will avoid having the white haze form on your pathway. When looking for alternatives to polymeric sand, you will also want to find high quality materials. There are other products, such as EnviroSAND, EnviroSTONE and EnviroPATH on the market that are able to stop water erosion from occurring. With a different type of sand and formula, you will easily be able to reverse this cycle and reduce the amount maintenance you’ll need to do over time. Our alterntives to polymeric sand are also designed with formulas that are more compatible with the type pathway you are creating. Different mixtures will create long lasting and natural results for your hardscaping projects. You will find that our products are able to provide durability and long lasting solutions with less use of chemicals. If you are looking for solutions for a hardscape project, then you also want to look at available materials. Alternatives to polymeric sand provide you with different solutions for the pathway you are creating. Using our products allows you to enjoy a 100% organic landscape with high quality results for your next project.

How do you come up with a project?
How do you come up with a project?

5 Tips for Coming Up with Great Project Ideas Define what “great” means. Define what a “great” project would mean for your organization. ... Take...

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What is Russian plywood?
What is Russian plywood?

Russian Birch, also known as Baltic Birch, is the wood of choice for many carpenters, furniture makers, and manufacturers, and it's easy to see...

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What utilities can you run in the same trench?
What utilities can you run in the same trench?

These include: Electrical and gas lines need to be at least 24 inches apart from each other. Electrical and water lines need to be at least 12...

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Are shed plans easy to follow?
Are shed plans easy to follow?

These are! They guide you every step of the way to complete your dream shed.

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What is the difference between woodwork and carpentry?
What is the difference between woodwork and carpentry?

Carpentry is defined as being the trade of cutting and joining timber in order to construct buildings or other structures. Woodworking is defined...

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