History

To address the thousands of adolescents and young adults that were streaming into San Francisco for the cultural revolution of the 1960’s, Haight Ashbury Free Clinics (HAFC) opened its doors in 1967 as the first free medical clinic in the country. During the first week of operation over 400 patients were seen. HAFC has been an innovator in delivering primary health care services to many of the people who can least afford them. “Health Care is a Right, Not a Privilege” has been the guiding principle as well as its famous tagline.

Walden House was founded in 1969 in the same Haight-Ashbury district of San Francisco to help homeless and runaway adolescents with substance abuse problems. Today, Walden House treats people with mental health and substance abuse problems at various residential and outpatient centers throughout California, including in-prison treatment programs, and facilities in San Francisco and Los Angeles, providing drug and alcohol treatment and mental health, vocational and housing services for people transitioning back into their communities. Like HAFC, Walden House has always served people who are uninsured, homeless and socio-economically disenfranchised, including those with HIV/AIDS.

Today

Haight Ashbury Free Clinics and Walden House have both grown over the years, becoming national models for community healthcare, substance abuse treatment and mental health services. The organizations merged on July 1, 2011 to best serve the most vulnerable members of our community. 

Mission

The mission of Haight Ashbury Free Clinics is to increase access to healthcare for all and improve the health and well being of our clients. The Clinics provide free, high quality, comprehensive health care that is culturally sensitive, non-judgmental and accessible to all.

The mission of Walden House is to give hope and change lives for people affected by substance abuse and mental health conditions. We do this by offering behavioral health services and tools for living to youth, adults, and families throughout California. These services aim to relieve the burden of societal problems by promoting wellness, healthy relationships, productive living, and community involvement.