To close out 2016, we've asked our local neighborhood writers to choose their favorite stories from the past year, and to explain why they loved them so.

Today, we hear from North Beach/Russian Hill neighborhood editor Nathan Falstreau:

My favorite story that I was able to cover this last year centered around a local group and their attempts to address homelessness in the lower Polk Street neighborhood. It's a hot button issue for many in the city, and the debate on how best to solve the problem has heightened since the passing of Supervisor Farrell's proposition Q. What made this coverage memorable for me was that I was able to tour some of the alleys where homeless neighbors often reside, learn about some of their immediate needs, and get a behind the scenes look at an organization that is truly trying to make a difference with compassion in the neighborhood. 

Below is an excerpt from the original story, published on June 29th, 2016.

There are 14 community benefit districts (CBDs) in San Francisco, which bring together neighbors, merchants, and local government entities to help improve the quality of life in a given neighborhood, including safety, cleanliness of the streets and overall livability.

But one neighborhood organization, the Lower Polk CBD, has been working tirelessly over the last few months to tackle quality-of-life issues for some of its most vulnerable neighbors: those without a home.

In response to concerns from neighbors, the CBD has hired two full-time social service ambassadors trained in harm-reduction methodologies, as well as six full-time employees who help clean the street of feces and other debris. 

Click to continue reading Nathan's favorite story of 2016, "How The Lower Polk CBD Tackles Homelessness With Compassion."