Healing Through Human Connection
Free, trauma-informed massage for San Francisco’s unhoused and marginalized communities.
Founded in 1983, Care Through Touch Institute began with a simple act: offering free massage on a Tenderloin sidewalk. Today, we continue to meet people where they are — shelters, clinics, and community spaces — bringing dignity, compassion, and care.
Rooted in Presence.
Be Part of the Care.
From compassionate touch to community partnerships, CTI restores dignity and well-being, building a more just, caring, and connected San Francisco.
Care Where It’s Needed.
CTI partners with shelters, clinics, harm reduction centers, and community organizations across San Francisco. By embedding our services within trusted sites, we reduce barriers and provide consistent weekly care.
meeting people exactly where they are.
Each 15-minute session is offered with consent, respect, and deep awareness of trauma.
A Legacy of Care, A Future of Healing
More than 60,000 sessions delivered. Over 1,000 practitioners trained. For many clients, massage is not indulgence — it is relief, grounding, and a reminder of their humanity.
Frequently Asked Questions
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We provide free, trauma-informed massage therapy in partnership with trusted community organizations. Each 15-minute session is grounded in consent, safety, and respect. Our work supports nervous system regulation, reduces pain and stress, and restores dignity through compassionate human connection.
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CTI serves unhoused and marginalized individuals across San Francisco, including people living in shelters, transitional housing, harm reduction programs, and community health sites. Many of our clients face chronic stress, trauma, illness, isolation, and limited access to consistent care.
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CTI partners with shelters, clinics, harm reduction centers, and community-based organizations across San Francisco. By embedding care directly within existing support sites, we reduce barriers and ensure consistent weekly services where they are most needed.
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Licensed massage therapists and bodyworkers can volunteer with CTI after completing our trauma-informed training and orientation process. We prioritize reliability, compassion, and a deep respect for client autonomy. To learn more or apply, visit our Volunteer page.
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We welcome inquiries from potential volunteers, partner sites, funders, and community members. Please reach out through our contact form or email us directly, and a member of our team will respond as soon as possible.
Your Support Matters
Every contribution makes a meaningful difference. Your support provides free, trauma-informed massage to unhoused and marginalized communities, trains compassionate practitioners, sustains our volunteer network, and expands CTI’s reach to new neighborhoods across San Francisco.