During a recent San Francisco government meeting, significant discussions centered around the challenges and successes of the Certificate of Preference (COP) program, aimed at assisting displaced residents in securing affordable housing.

Maria Benjamin, a key presenter, reported that in the last year, 459 housing opportunities were made available for households earning between 30% and 150% of the area median income (AMI), including 99 homeownership units. However, the data revealed a troubling trend: 88% of COP applicants opted out of the leasing process, primarily due to affordability issues. Many applicants reported incomes below 30% AMI, while the majority of available rental units were priced above this threshold, making them inaccessible for those in need.

Despite these challenges, there was a glimmer of hope. Since July 2023, the Mayor's Office of Community Development (MOCD) issued 361 certificates, with a notable 72 going to originally displaced households. This outreach effort has reportedly led to 20 individuals being housed, with five successfully purchasing homes—an encouraging statistic for the program.

The meeting also highlighted ongoing efforts to streamline the application process for descendants of displaced residents. Commissioners discussed the need for clearer documentation requirements to alleviate the burdens faced by foster children and others who struggle to provide historical records. The goal is to simplify the process, ensuring that those eligible can access the support they need without unnecessary hurdles.

As the meeting concluded, there was a strong sense of commitment among officials to continue improving the COP program and to enhance outreach efforts to ensure that all eligible residents are informed and supported in their housing journeys. The next steps include further engagement with community organizations and refining the application process to better serve the needs of San Francisco's displaced families.