Those looking for a way to give back to their community could take a lesson from Nicole Clay. A resident of the Hunters Point West Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program, Nicole felt the urge to get more involved in the local community and interact more with her neighbors. Following that call to action, Nicole has become invested in the Hunters Point neighborhood in more ways than one – and she says she has SFHDC to thank. Nicole – who has two daughters and two grandchildren – not only serves as a lead volunteer for the food pantry service at SFHDC’s 1065 Oakdale Ave. site, but she has been elected Vice President of the Hunters Point West Residents Council. She is also involved with the Candlestick State Park ambassador program and assists with SFHDC’s computer digital literacy program.
Beyond the opportunity to take part in different facets of the neighborhood, Nicole said some of the most rewarding aspects of the programs are “engaging with the community and helping out more.”

Having lived at Hunters Point West for 23 years, Nicole said she learned about SFHDC and its various supportive services when staff came to the development for meetings with residents to explain some of the anticipated changes and opportunities. As the lead service provider at the property as part of the RAD program, which leverages investment in public housing, SFHDC has offered a variety of on-site supportive services to help residents set and achieve personal goals. Nicole recalled how she was intrigued by the opportunities SFHDC would provide and wanted to learn more about how she could get involved with the activities. One of the supportive programs with which she has become most active is the food pantry at the Oakdale community room, where she helps SFHDC staff oversee the operation. “I just try to get more nutritious food in the community and engage with my neighbors and everyone else that comes to it,” she said. Taking pride in being more involved in her neighborhood than she ever had been previously, Nicole credits SFHDC for providing that avenue and encouraging others to pursue a similar call of service. “(SFHDC) is a great help to the community as far as bringing things back into the community and keeping us informed on what’s going on,” she said.