Residents of the Tenderloin neighborhood in San Francisco are optimistic about the development of an ‘urban oasis’ at the former triage center located at Sixth and Stevenson streets, an area historically plagued by drug activity.
Local residents point to the success of a similar initiative that transformed the neighborhood at Turk and Hyde streets, turning it from a hub of drug sales and consumption into a safer environment for families and children.
‘At times, we counted up to 50 [people] injecting themselves every day,’ stated Carmen Vasquez, a longtime resident of an alley near the previously established oasis at 200 Hyde St., which opened in 2022. She reflected on the significant improvements, noting that the area has changed ‘muchísimo.’
The term ‘oasis,’ as defined by city officials, refers to public spaces designed for social interaction and relaxation, monitored by trained staff who ensure safety and order.
The oasis on Hyde Street emerged from a broader strategy aimed at enhancing a block that is accessible to children. Situated next to a children’s park, it is along the ‘Safe Passage’ route for students attending the Tenderloin Community School. The city initially revitalized and reopened the Turk-Hyde Mini Park in early 2020. Following this, Urban Alchemy ambassadors began engaging with the community, working to diminish negative activities such as drug use and altercations.
Urban Alchemy subsequently transformed a nearby parking lot into the city’s inaugural oasis, providing a resource for local residents. This newly designed space features ambassadors, tables, chairs, complimentary coffee, tea, and water. Additionally, it includes a dog run, exercise equipment, and a welcome area managed by Urban Alchemy staff to supervise activities.
The impact of the oasis has been profound. Vasquez recalls a period when fatalities were common in the area, but now children frequent the mini park, and adults enjoy relaxing in the oasis.
On a typical Tuesday afternoon, a group gathered at the oasis, sharing lunches from local eateries while music filled the air. Friends laughed and relaxed, and dogs frolicked in the fenced area designed for pets.
Jose Salazar, a 23-year-old local, echoed Vasquez’s sentiments, recalling how the situation worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic. Salazar, who now works for the Tenderloin Community Benefit District, oversees a nearby children’s park. He described how the area was not inherently unsafe but was often messy and filled with individuals camping on the sidewalks, complicating walkability.
‘If they’re not dealing, they’re using. And if they’re not using, they’re already high,’ Salazar noted.
Salazar shared that he never felt comfortable walking through the area alone as a child, despite growing up just two blocks away.
The oasis is not a unique concept, as Urban Alchemy has implemented similar initiatives in other cities. For instance, their facility in Austin operates around the clock, providing food, beverages, showers, and shaded areas for its users.
Research has indicated that creating parks and greening vacant lots can lead to a decrease in crime rates. The Turk and Hyde oasis, strategically located in a dense urban setting, features trees in planters and artificial turf for dogs.
Initially skeptical, some residents have come to appreciate the role the Urban Alchemy ambassadors play in addressing the complexities of drug activity in the area. Melinda Welsh, a resident for eight years, expressed uncertainty about their presence initially, feeling it marginalized those experiencing homelessness.
However, recognizing the dangers posed by drug activity to children, she eventually acknowledged how the ambassadors contributed to making the area safer. Welsh affirmed that the block is now cleaner and that she frequently visits the oasis with her dog, Ninja. She has met fellow dog lovers and fostered community connections during her visits.
On a recent Tuesday, the oasis buzzed with activity as dogs played in the astro-turfed area, while residents exchanged greetings and engaged with a shelf of free clothing accessible to those in need.
Despite the improvements, crime has not entirely vanished from the corridor, primarily surfacing during late-night hours after the ambassadors have concluded their shifts. Notably, a violent event occurred in January 2024, involving a mass shooting that resulted in one death and injuries to four others at the intersection of Hyde and Turk streets shortly after 2:30 a.m.
Further incidents followed in March 2024 and November 2023, involving fatal stabbings and gunfire, respectively. However, the daytime atmosphere has shifted significantly in favor of residents.
Wayne Richardson, a former Urban Alchemy employee with a complicated past, described the environment as a ‘safe zone.’ Having recently emerged from a long prison sentence for murder, he noted how the space has become welcoming for individuals from various backgrounds. ‘We sit here, we eat, we chill … you’d be surprised who you’ll find here,’ he remarked.
As negotiations regarding staffing for the Sixth Street location continue, the city’s mayor’s office remains non-committal about the nonprofit managing the venture.
While residents like Vasquez are eager to replicate the oasis model citywide, Richardson emphasized the need for careful planning and execution. He noted that the effectiveness of Urban Alchemy’s initiatives stemmed from the staff’s lived experiences, many of whom have overcome incarceration and can relate to those on the streets.
Richardson cautioned against simply relocating issues from Turk and Hyde to Sixth Street, warning against ‘playing musical chairs’ with the problems in the community.
‘You gotta do it with finesse, you gotta do it with grace, you gotta respect people,’ he advised. ‘And you need a plan.’
image source from：https://missionlocal.org/2025/06/sf-oasis-troubled-sixth-street-urban-alchemy/
