In a heartfelt gathering at San Francisco County's city hall, residents voiced urgent pleas for the restoration of critical funding aimed at supporting vulnerable families living in Single Room Occupancies (SROs). The meeting, held on July 4, 2025, showcased the struggles of families who rely on community programs to address pressing issues in their living conditions.

Jack Chang, a new immigrant and father of two, shared his family's distress over unresolved building issues that had left his young son fearful of using the bathroom. "Unresolved building issues could affect residents' mental well-being," he emphasized, urging the board of supervisors to restore funding for the All Families United Collaborative and the Code Enforcement Outreach Program. His story echoed the sentiments of many who spoke that day, highlighting the vital role these programs play in ensuring safe and healthy living environments.

Charlene Shen, another resident, described the challenges of sharing cramped facilities with multiple families. She recounted how the outreach program helped resolve persistent issues like broken stoves and clogged drains, which directly impacted her family's daily life. "Our living environment is definitely going to get worse without their help," she warned, as she called for the restoration of a $5.2 million budget for these essential services.

The emotional testimonies continued, with residents like Liqing Wu and Yating Wu sharing their experiences of living in rundown SROs. They spoke of the communal struggles faced by families, including inadequate cooking facilities and safety hazards. "Without the organizer's intervention, we would have made a huge mistake and put everyone at risk," Liqing noted, stressing the importance of community support in navigating these challenges.

As the meeting progressed, the urgency of the situation became increasingly clear. Cecilia Ciccone lamented the lack of visibility from local leaders, expressing frustration over the growing number of grocery store closures and rising food insecurity in the Excelsior neighborhood. "Many more people are applying for food," she stated, underscoring the dire economic conditions affecting families.

The collective voices of these residents painted a vivid picture of the struggles faced by low-income families in San Francisco. Their appeals for funding restoration were not just about financial support; they represented a desperate need for stability and safety in their homes. As the board of supervisors deliberates on the budget, the stories shared in this meeting serve as a poignant reminder of the human impact behind policy decisions. The future of these essential programs hangs in the balance, with families hoping for a resolution that will allow them to thrive rather than merely survive.