The July 4, 2025, meeting of the Legacy Foundation focused on updates regarding various community programs and initiatives aimed at supporting residents of Bayview Hunters Point. The meeting began with a presentation from the chair of the Legacy Foundation, who outlined the next steps for several key programs.
The first item discussed was the College Readiness and Skill Building Program, which currently has $400,000 allocated. The Foundation members agreed to reallocate $200,000 of these funds to support a down payment assistance program for certificate of preference holders in collaboration with the Mayor's Office of Housing and Community Development (MOHCD). A detailed presentation on this program is scheduled for a May commission meeting.
Next, the Legacy Foundation announced plans to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) to utilize the remaining funds for college readiness and skill-building initiatives, specifically targeting 100 youth aged 11 to 25 from Bayview Hunters Point. This initiative aims to provide instructional programming to local youth, enhancing their educational opportunities.
The meeting also covered the Construction Assistance Program, which has $250,000 in available funds. The Foundation is working with the Office of Community Investment and Infrastructure (OCII) to finalize an entity to manage this program.
Additionally, the Neighborhood Building program was highlighted, which has approximately $39,315 remaining. The Foundation recently hosted a Community Heroes and Sheroes event, recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to the community. Plans are underway to collaborate with the nonprofit Into Action to organize 1 to 3 community gathering events, aimed at engaging residents and understanding their needs.
Lastly, the Wilbas Bridal Scholarship was discussed, which has $25,000 allocated for travel stipends for five African American students aged 18 to 25. These students will have the opportunity to travel to Africa or Asia, with plans to disperse these funds within the year.
Public comments were invited, with Oscar James, a resident of Bayview Hunters Point, expressing gratitude for the community development efforts and emphasizing the importance of ensuring that local residents benefit from ongoing projects at the Hunters Point Shipyard. He urged continued support for community initiatives and highlighted the need for timely development in the area.
The meeting concluded with a call for further questions and comments from commissioners, who praised the Legacy Foundation's work and expressed eagerness for updates on compliance and future initiatives. The Legacy Foundation remains committed to enhancing community engagement and providing essential resources to Bayview Hunters Point residents.