The Fight for Housing Justice

Since 2019, the cost of living in the city by the Bay has skyrocketed by 54%, forcing teachers, essential workers, and longtime residents to abandon the communities they love. The San Francisco Community Land Trust (SFCLT) is battling back to make living in the city possible once again. Under the leadership of Executive Director Saki Bailey, this innovative organization is reimagining how we approach affordable housing – as a permanent solution rooted in community empowerment.

“We focus on immediate solutions rather than relying solely on market-rate housing development,” Bailey explains. “SFCLT operates differently from traditional agencies and involves community members in the development process.” SFCLT doesn’t just preserve affordable housing; guided by the principles of anti-displacement and racial justice, it empowers residents to become advocates for their own communities. This approach has already transformed lives across 16 properties in their growing portfolio.

Patricia, a long-time resident of Russian Hill, was facing insurmountable obstacles at her home before SFCLT’s intervention. When her rent-controlled building was put on the market, Patricia and her neighbors faced the threat of eviction. Through the collaborative work of the SF Anti-Displacement Coalition and residents, SFCLT acquired this century-old architectural treasure to ensure permanent affordability, providing tenants safety, stability, and the opportunity to thrive.

Similarly, Luis, a Latino resident in the Mission District, organized his entire building when their corporate owner refused to make needed repairs. Upon learning about the CLT model, Luis and his neighbors felt empowered with a long-term solution. In 2024, they scored a major victory when SFCLT accessed an innovative regional fund to acquire the building. “We serve as a first line of defense against housing crises, providing immediate solutions for vulnerable tenants,” Bailey notes.

Bailey’s 15-year career in nonprofit work and community land trusts has shown her how speculative real estate practices undermine the American dream of homeownership. “These practices are particularly devastating in San Francisco, one of the most expensive cities in the United States, where global real estate companies invest heavily in the Bay Area’s housing market,” she observes. By leveraging both public and private resources, SFCLT creates housing that is truly community centered.

The crisis extends far beyond housing costs. When teachers, firefighters, and other essential workers can no longer afford to live in the communities they serve, the entire social fabric can unravel. Local businesses lose customers, schools lose experienced educators, and neighborhoods lose their cultural identity. 

Of the myriad problems demanding our charity donations in today’s fraught environment, it’s hard to wage any battle without a home, Bailey observes.