San Francisco honors Kristin Evans for community leadership and homelessness advocacy

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors meeting on April 16, 2025, celebrated the contributions of Kristin Evans, a prominent community leader in District 5. Supervisor Preston honored Evans for her dedication to local businesses and her advocacy for homelessness solutions, highlighting her role as a business owner and community organizer.

Kristin Evans, originally from Spokane, Washington, has made significant impacts in the Bay Area since returning to the region with her husband, Praveen. Together, they took over The Booksmith, a beloved local bookstore, during a challenging time for independent retailers. Evans has since expanded her entrepreneurial efforts, operating three successful businesses in the Haight-Ashbury area.

Her commitment to the community extends beyond her businesses. Evans has been an active member of the Haight Ashbury Merchants Association since its inception in 2011, serving as president since 2017. She has also been involved with the Haight Ashbury Neighborhood Council since 2014. Notably, she played a crucial role in advocating for Proposition C, a tax measure aimed at funding solutions for homelessness in San Francisco.

Evans has organized community discussions on homelessness, fostering dialogue about its causes and potential solutions. Her initiatives include offering interest-free loans to employees for unexpected expenses, demonstrating her commitment to supporting her staff and the broader community.

The meeting concluded with a commendation recognizing Evans for her tireless efforts in promoting social justice and community engagement. Supervisor Preston emphasized the importance of her work in addressing commercial vacancies and supporting local businesses, further solidifying Evans' reputation as a key figure in the fight for transformative change in San Francisco.