Housing

Housing As A Sanctuary And A Human Right

At the heart of our community center, 50 units of affordable and permanent supportive housing stand as both sanctuary and symbol — proof that when Black communities control their own housing destiny, transformation follows. One of the few Black-owned and operated permanent supportive housing in San Francisco, this project was a bold dream realized by the visionary leadership of Booker T., Executive Director Pat Scott, Fillmore community leaders, District 5 supervisors, City leadership, and supported by the late Senator John Burton and John Burton Advocates for Youth, and community leaders. Stable housing is the foundation upon which all other possibilities are built. Our housing work extends far beyond our own walls, as we fight to ensure that Black San Franciscans can remain in the city that our ancestors built.

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units at 100% occupancy serving 80 individuals

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units at 100% occupancy serving 80 individuals

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units at 100% occupancy serving 80 individuals

Senator John Burton speaks into a microphone at a gala, an award is presented by Shakirah Simley and California State Treasurer Fiona Ma
Senator John Burton speaks into a microphone at a gala, an award is presented by Shakirah Simley and California State Treasurer Fiona Ma

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PHOTO CREDIT: CHLOE JACKMAN — Senator John Burton, the namesake of our housing and an invaluable support in securing permanent supportive, affordable housing for 820 Presidio.

Senator John Burton speaks into a microphone at a gala, an award is presented by Shakirah Simley and California State Treasurer Fiona Ma

PHOTO CREDIT: CHLOE JACKMAN — Senator John Burton, the namesake of our housing and an invaluable support in securing permanent supportive, affordable housing for 820 Presidio.

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Woman stands for her portrait in black and white

PHOTO CREDIT: HAZEL ARINES

A foundation for holistic wellbeing

More than just providing shelter, we've transformed what was once a fractured relationship between housing and services into a truly integrated model. This is where formerly homeless families find stability, where transitional-age youth aging out of foster care discover independence with support, and where elders age in place surrounded by the intergenerational community that defines the Booker T. way.  Booker T. is an ecosystem where housing stability enables educational success, mental wellness, and economic mobility. With 25 units specifically reserved for transitional-aged youth, and priority access to every one of our services for all residents, from food programs to mental health support, our housing model demonstrates what's possible when housing is understood not as a commodity but as a human right.

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TAY residents receiving intensive case management and support

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TAY residents receiving intensive case management and support

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TAY residents receiving intensive case management and support

Woman stands for her portrait in black and white
Woman stands for her portrait in black and white

PHOTO CREDIT: HAZEL ARINES

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project-based vouchers secured from SF Housing Authority to create permanent stability in 2023

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project-based vouchers secured from SF Housing Authority to create permanent stability in 2023

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project-based vouchers secured from SF Housing Authority to create permanent stability in 2023

A path to ownership

Our strategic plan has mapped out a path to full ownership of our building, including all affordable and supportive housing units, by 2028. Our financial model provides for comprehensive building maintenance, infrastructure improvements, safety, and security. This is more than a real estate goal — it's about ensuring the roots we have put down are stable for decades to come. 

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support to residents

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support to residents

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support to residents

Booker T. has helped me in phenomenal ways. Booker T. has remained a pillar in my life as far as resources and as far as friendship and community. Booker T. has given me things like grants, gift cards, and incentives as well as funded my work experience, desk, and everything. I love Booker T. Washington.

R.O

When I came to Booker T. Washington, I was at my lowest point. I’m a single dad with three girls, and at the time, we didn’t have a place to live…They didn’t just give me a list of resources, they really listened and saw me. They helped me find the support I needed, from therapy to housing, and they walked with me through every step of the process. I didn’t feel judged, I felt respected. Now, we’re stable. My kids have a safe place to grow, and I can focus on being the kind of father they deserve, without the weight of homelessness and survival dragging us down. I’m beyond grateful. Booker T. didn’t just help us get housing, they helped us build a new beginning.

R.O

When I came to Booker T. Washington, I was at my lowest point. I’m a single dad with three girls, and at the time, we didn’t have a place to live…They didn’t just give me a list of resources, they really listened and saw me. They helped me find the support I needed, from therapy to housing, and they walked with me through every step of the process. I didn’t feel judged, I felt respected. Now, we’re stable. My kids have a safe place to grow, and I can focus on being the kind of father they deserve, without the weight of homelessness and survival dragging us down. I’m beyond grateful. Booker T. didn’t just help us get housing, they helped us build a new beginning.

R.O

Booker T. has helped me in phenomenal ways. Booker T. has remained a pillar in my life as far as resources and as far as friendship and community. Booker T. has given me things like grants, gift cards, and incentives as well as funded my work experience, desk, and everything. I love Booker T. Washington.

Mr. James Sanders, JBH Resident in regards to the services they have received from our TAY program