Our Response to President Biden’s first State of the Union Address
Like many of you, I watched President Biden deliver his first State of the Union address last night. I commend his call for increased investments in affordable housing, but I am also acutely aware of the congressional politics impeding his plans. What keeps me awake at night are the long-term impacts that these politics are causing families who are already facing homelessness and housing insecurity. But I have hope for San Francisco and for the Bay Area.
Our city and state leaders have pulled San Francisco and California back from the brink, paving the way for more sustainable funding solutions with initiatives like Our City, Our Home, Dream Keeper Initiative, Project Homekey, and Project Roomkey, but real economic challenges remain for low-income and BIPOC families at risk of homelessness. As the leader of a direct service provider to families experiencing homelessness in the San Francisco Bay Area, I implore other local and regional leaders to act quickly to address these challenges. The communities we serve continue to face disparities and inequities rooted in systemic failures that are only compounded by an ever-decreasing affordable housing inventory.
It’s not too late to meet this moment. There is broad consensus on the most critical solutions San Franciscans and Bay Area residents need to enact for families who need affordable housing, who need support to prevent homelessness, who need help to live in a place that’s not their car or a motel or a rest stop, who need opportunities and good-paying jobs. It is time to act.
We at Hamilton Families and our supporters are ready to work with city leaders and state representatives to ensure that what we envision comes to pass: namely, that the San Francisco Bay Area becomes a place where housing is accessible and affordable, where homelessness is rare, brief, and nonrecurring, and where all people and families have a safe and stable place to live.
In community,
Kyriell Noon
CEO Hamilton Families
Teen ACT 2022: Aspiring Change for Tomorrow
Teen ACT is an annual empowerment event dedicated to youth ages 12-18 currently taking part in our programs at Hamilton Families. From college prep conversations to career panels and special keynotes from local celebrities, this event is a celebration to inspire and empower teens who are experiencing trauma, to dream and become hopeful about their futures.
Challenge Yourself! Plan a Fund-RUN-Raiser!
Whether you run, walk, bike, or swim you can your make miles matter in the fight to end family homelessness. By joining Team #HamFamSF, you gain access to professional fundraisers, team gear, and everything you need to cross the finish line–in person or virtually.
Join @HamFamSF, stand up, and speak out for families experiencing #homelessness and housing insecurity, and for the creation of policies that foster diversity and inclusion in the SF Bay Area. Your voice may be your greatest tool in helping to #EndFamilyHomelessness!