In a passionate gathering at San Francisco County's city hall, community members voiced their strong opposition to Mayor's proposal to reallocate funds from Proposition C, which are crucial for families and transitional-aged youth. The meeting, held on July 4, 2025, saw heartfelt testimonies from individuals directly affected by homelessness and housing instability, emphasizing the dire need for stable housing in the city.
Roxana Reyes, a mother, expressed her fears for her child's future, stating, “Please don't take away my child's future and his ability to just be a kid.” Her plea echoed the sentiments of many speakers who highlighted the harsh realities of living without a stable home, where children are exposed to drugs, violence, and crime. The emotional weight of their words painted a vivid picture of the struggles faced by families in San Francisco.
Several speakers, including Darla Wall, a former homeless resident now working with the Homeless Prenatal Program, shared their personal journeys from homelessness to stability, crediting Proposition C funds for their success. “I urge you to please say no to the reallocation from funds,” she implored, showcasing the tangible impact these resources have on families striving for a better life.
The meeting also featured voices from professionals in the field, such as Aaron Rodriguez, a case manager who underscored the importance of these funds in helping families transition into permanent housing. “Without Prop C, we cannot support the families who need it most,” he stated, reinforcing the collective call for the preservation of these vital resources.
As the meeting progressed, the urgency of the situation became increasingly clear. Speakers like Shalena Eskridge, executive director of the Homeless Prenatal Program, warned that children experiencing homelessness are five times more likely to face homelessness as adults. “We need to invest in our families. We need to invest in our future,” she urged, encapsulating the overarching theme of the meeting.
The discussions also touched on the broader implications of the proposed cuts, with advocates stressing that housing is not merely a privilege but a fundamental necessity for every family. As the meeting concluded, the community's resolve to protect Proposition C funds remained strong, leaving a lingering question: how will the city respond to the urgent needs of its most vulnerable residents?