I've been to SF several times, walked through the area specified at least once and just revisited it via street view. In every case it immediately impresses me

I've been to SF several times, walked through the area specified at least once and just revisited it via street view. In every case it immediately impresses me as a cleaner version of Baltimore with better streets. I think this guy has absolutely the right idea, particularly with volunteering. If you're fortunate enough to not have experience the effects of poverty, addiction or homeless getting to know the people who have an continue to struggle with it is probably the next best thing. A good friend of mine who grew up as the comfortable son of a successful banker credits his time spent interning with social services as completely reversing his previously dismissive ideas about such things.