We want to know you Everyday Hero and celebrate their actions. Nominate your hero and they might be selected to be honored at the upcoming Everyday Heroes event SFHDC 2021 GALA this September 24th.

Yolanda was nominated not just once, but by over 15 individuals throughout the community. Each nomination came with its own story of encouragement and support. Each tells of how Yolanda went to amazing lengths to help uplift everyone she encounters in their time of need. Rather than recount a selection of these events, we feel in Yolanda Harris’s case it is more fitting to let the words of the community speak for themselves.

Of Yolanda’s Character

“She has a bubbly spirit.”

“When I’m around her, I feel safe.”

“I feel like I’m a part of her family.”

“She encourages me.”

“She has become my lifetime mentor, and I’m forever grateful that I met her.“

“She shows effort to help anyone she encounters.”

“…very persistent to see projects completed to the end.”

“She inspires many with her strength, kindness, courage, and the ability to make something out of nothing.”

“She amplifies voices that are often disregarded with deep-seated empathy.”

“Words cannot express how deserving I feel Yolanda is for this award.”

“She’s loyal and sees good in everyone that crosses her path. She’s an amazing Woman that strives for excellence…”

“She’s always teaching me how to be a better ally and community member to our Black brothers/sisters and for that I am eternally grateful.”

“She has always had the heart to help anyone in need. If she can’t help she’ll point you to resources that can help.”

“She didn’t just talk, she walked the walk and gave you resources…”

“She loves her community and will go beyond the call of duty to support people.”

“She has no limit of the service that she will go through to provide for her community.”

“Her assistance is genuine.”

“The job I have today is because of Yolanda Harris.”

“She is a person that utilizes empathy and compassion…”

“Helping. Truthful. Humble. Respectful. Understanding.”

“…an amazing leader.”

“Regardless of where she was personally in her life, Yolanda has lived a life of service to others in the San Francisco community.”

Support During the Pandemic 

“Despite the challenges associated with the pandemic and COVID-19, Yolanda still manages to find time to mentor others.”

“Yolanda volunteered at many community events for the residents of San Francisco housing  – often carving out time to serve where others would have passed.”

“When shelter in place orders took effect, Yolanda, concerned about the mental and physical well-being of Bayview-Hunters Point residents, regularly reached out to many seniors to ensure their needs were met and the feeling of isolation did not take its toll on their emotional well-being. As the shelter in place order has been slowly lifted, Yolanda regularly participates in socially distanced walks in neighboring parks with the seniors. She also continues to serve young and elderly residents by connecting them with community and city services.”

“She coordinated and implemented the distribution to homeless encampments within Bayview-Hunters Point basic need items such as sleeping bags, bedding, clothing, personal care items, food, and PPE supplies.”

“She participates in weekly online activities with women from public housing, workforce, and community volunteering her time and expertise to serve her community. “

“During the current pandemic, she reunited with five childhood friends to uplift and support each other through regular communication and socially distanced activities. To top it off she shares housing and mentors two young college students.”

A History of Public Service

“Yolanda Harris has been a community champion for over twenty years dating back to being the creator of YCD’s Chocolate City 2 Youth Program that received national praise and acknowledgment for its significant impact on Bayview Youth.”

“I recall a time when the community was experiencing extreme community violence and Ms. Harris felt she needed to interrupt this cycle of violence by taking youth on several outings away from the City. The organization was low on funds and Ms. Harris independently and personally raised all the funds needed to provide an experience of a lifetime for Bayview youth.”

“Yolanda Harris is a committed public servant that has spent her entire career assisting San Francisco and Bay Area citizens attain a higher quality of life.”

“Yolanda has always been focused on housing and eradicating conditions that contribute to homelessness.  She is a talented, focused and driven woman that is approachable and available to lend a helping hand to assist her community.”

“I am from Nigeria but grew up in San Francisco. There was a situation in my village that required me to come home to help an ailing aunt. I had not traveled back home for a few years and was very worried about how I would be able to take care of my family member. Yolanda volunteered to accompany me and assisted me in caring for my ailing aunt. Her willingness to help me and support me speaks volumes about who she is as a person.”

“She is a loyal and helpful woman that is about action and helping. She goes above and beyond her call of duty in her professional and private life. She is my Everyday Hero.”

“She was always there no matter what we were doing.”

“We were introduced when I was young. I needed school clothes. She bought me clothes and shoes. She also took me to get a haircut. “

“I used to own a small business. My business had some issues with the landlord and we had been treated unfairly because we did not have much knowledge about the law. After she learned about it, she assured us that she would help us until it was done.”

“Ms. Harris extends her hand to all who may need it.”

“She has given me housing and a chance to get my education.”

“Yolanda is selfless, always willing to assist and help out whoever and whenever she can.”

“Yolanda looks out for the youth, the women and their children, with the same tenacity as her very own grands. She treats you like family. I can almost bet she meets no strangers.”

“I was going through a challenging time in my life and she took me under her wings and pushed me into having more faith and assurance in myself.”

“… a true public servant.”