In a passionate plea during a recent San Francisco County government meeting, Derese Jones, executive director of Hunters Pointe Family, highlighted the critical need for continued funding for youth services in public housing developments. Jones warned that if the Department of Children, Youth, and Their Families (DCYF) funding recommendations proceed as planned, essential programs in District 10 will face elimination, leaving many young people without vital workforce development and employment opportunities.

Jones emphasized the importance of these services, stating that they are strategically located in neighborhoods like Harbor, Oakdale, Kirkwood, and Double Rock, where they serve high-need populations. "Without our programming, there's a huge gap for kids and families in Bayview Hunters Point," she said, underscoring the potential unemployment of staff who are often from these communities themselves.

The message was clear: the elimination of these services would not only impact the youth but also send a detrimental signal to vulnerable populations. Jones urged decision-makers to prioritize support for black and brown children and underserved neighborhoods, advocating for a commitment to nurturing, mentoring, and guiding the youth of San Francisco.

As the meeting progressed, the urgency of maintaining these programs resonated with attendees, highlighting the community's reliance on Hunters Pointe Family to foster safe spaces and culturally competent support for children at risk of poor outcomes. The call to action remains: ensure that the voices of those most affected are heard and that essential services continue to thrive in San Francisco's toughest neighborhoods.