SFHDC Mission Statement
The mission of SFHDC is to foster financial opportunity and stability through the development of affordable housing, the facilitation of homeownership and the economic empowerment and revitalization of the Fillmore and Bayview neighborhoods of San Francisco.
Origin
SFHDC was formed in 1988 by a handful of Black community leaders who were interested in combating the widespread displacement of the ’60s and ’70s. Governmental agencies removed residents through ‘redevelopment programs’ that disproportionately affected African Americans and other people of color. The driving force for SFHDC’s creation was a remarkable advocate and organizer, Ms. Geraldine Johnson. Joining in the effort were Cheryl Towns, Chuck Turner and Pamela Sims, who all brought the necessary expertise and vision to launch this urgently needed organization. True to its original purpose, SFHDC continues to focus on serving Black San Franciscans, other people of color, and all those of low- and moderate-income trying to hold onto life in one of the most expensive cities in the nation.
Bayview Hunters Point
The community of Bayview Hunters Point lags behind San Francisco at large. Economically depressed, the central streets are lined with vacant and blighted storefronts. Thousands of residents in the 94124 zip code (Bayview Hunters Point) live in poverty, totaling over 15% of the population. Numbers are even more staggering regarding the minority communities: 39% of African-Americans, 16% of Asian Americans, and 19% of Latinos live in poverty (U.S. Census Bureau). Residents in the neighborhood have seen generation after generation move away due to escalating housing costs and lack of goods and services nearby. As a part of our comprehensive revitalization strategy, SFHDC uses financial education services to empower residents to use their money wisely. Education and encouraging smart financial behaviors ensures improved lives, wealth building and retention for our clients.
