A San Francisco resident is advocating for a crucial modification to her living situation that could significantly enhance her independence and quality of life. During a recent city council meeting, the resident, who has a progressive motor neuron disease, requested approval to merge her current apartment with an adjacent unit to accommodate her increasing care needs.

The resident explained that the proposed change would not alter the building's footprint or remove any existing living space. Instead, it aims to convert the kitchen of the adjacent apartment into a bedroom for her personal care assistant, allowing her to maintain her independence while receiving necessary support. This arrangement is considered best practice for personal care, as it provides the assistant with their own space while enabling the resident to continue living in her home.

The resident emphasized the importance of her current location, which offers accessibility features and is situated in a walkable neighborhood with transit options. She highlighted that finding a suitable property that meets her needs was a challenge, particularly due to the limitations of older buildings that often lack accessibility features. The combination of rental income and rent control has made it financially feasible for her to live in this property.

Moreover, she pointed out that the proposed modification would not only benefit her but also contribute to the city's housing supply. By increasing the number of bedrooms in the combined unit, it could provide more affordable housing options for families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities in a city facing a housing crisis.

Despite her compelling case, the resident was informed that her application might face challenges due to the California Housing Crisis Act of 2019, which was designed to promote housing development. She argued that the intent of the legislation should not exclude modifications that support the needs of vulnerable populations, such as seniors and individuals with disabilities.

The outcome of this request could have significant implications for the resident's ability to live independently and for the broader community's housing landscape. As the city grapples with housing shortages, the council's decision will be closely watched by advocates for accessible living and affordable housing.