On January 13, 2012, graduates of CHP's REAP (Recycling & Environmental Awareness Program) planted the first sidewalk garden in the Tenderloin. Made possible by a grant from SF Beautiful in conjunction with Plant SF, the sidewalk greening was the first of its kind in the Tenderloin neighborhood. The purpose of the greening project is reduce the amount of concrete covering our city, allowing rainwater to return to the earth, avoiding clogging our city sewers and creating a more beautiful and sustainable city. Check out photos from the day's greening activity here.

The Recycling and Environmental Awareness Program (REAP)

Promotes environmental education, civic engagement and access to green jobs to formerly homeless individuals in San Francisco. The REAP includes three components: an internship program, a graduate program and short-term, green waste management employment opportunities. The REAP educates and trains formerly homeless individuals in: Zero-waste, Toxics Reductions, Urban Agriculture, Climate Protection, Energy and Water Conservation, Food Justice, Environmental Justice, Green Jobs, and more. Through REAP's diversion efforts, over 2 million pounds of waste from 37 supportive housing sites in San Francisco was diverted from landfills in 2011.