The San Francisco City Commission meeting on July 4, 2025, focused on the critical need to maintain funding for essential tenant support programs, particularly the SRO Families United Collaborative and the Code Enforcement Operations Program (CIOP). Community organizers and residents voiced their concerns about proposed budget cuts that threaten the safety and well-being of vulnerable populations living in Single Room Occupancy (SRO) housing.

Winnie, a community organizer with the Chinese Progressive Association, emphasized the dire consequences of budget reductions, stating that without these services, families would face even more unsafe living conditions. She highlighted the struggles of low-wage workers who rely on these programs for basic necessities such as housing, food, and childcare.

Cammie Huang, a former SRO resident, shared her personal experiences of living in substandard conditions and the importance of knowing tenant rights. She urged the commission to retain the $5.2 million budget for the SRO Families United Collaborative, stressing that cuts would undermine progress and leave families without critical support.

Several speakers, including Adriana Arrendon and Maria Jandres, echoed these sentiments, recounting their own experiences with housing insecurity and the vital role that tenant advocacy organizations play in educating residents about their rights. They argued that the proposed cuts would disproportionately affect low-income families, exacerbating existing challenges in accessing safe and habitable housing.

Audrey Martinez from the Housing Rights Committee highlighted the mental health impacts of living in inadequate conditions, while Fred Sherbonsimmer criticized the need for tenants to plead for code enforcement. He called for a reevaluation of landlord fees, which have not been raised since 2006, suggesting that increased fees could help fund necessary services.

Denise Wong, also from the Housing Rights Committee, described appalling living conditions faced by tenants, including severe maintenance issues that landlords often neglect. She urged the commission to reconsider the budget cuts, emphasizing the need for accountability from landlords.

The meeting concluded with a strong call to action from multiple speakers, urging the commission to preserve funding for tenant support programs. They argued that these services are essential for maintaining the dignity and safety of San Francisco's most vulnerable residents. The overall message was clear: cutting these programs would not only harm individuals but also undermine the community's collective well-being.