Introduction

St. Mary’s Center has a long history of housing advocacy, including endorsements of initiatives we believe are crucial for addressing the pressing housing needs in our region, to prioritize affordable housing for extremely and very low-income residents. Our Council of Elders and Senior Advocates for Hope and Justice are seasoned advocates, traveling to City, County and State venues to speak to legislators about housing solutions. We know the power of people with lived experiences telling their own stories and mobilizing leaders and neighbors for change. 

This webpage features resources of past advocacy campaigns and more information about our goals.

Read Our 2024 Fall Advocacy Newsletters

July 2024 Advocacy June 2024 Advocacy May 2024 Advocacy April 2024 Advocacy

Why are housing solutions needed?

• In 2022, 37,000 people were unhoused in the Bay Area – and people over age 55 are the fastest growing unhoused demographic.
  

• Nearly half (45%) of Bay Area renters are rent-burdened, and 1.4 million people (23% of Bay Area renters) spend more over half of their income on rent. 

• High rents and home prices force people to live far from work, making congestion and pollution much worse, and putting a major strain on working families. 

• People living in overcrowded and unsafe homes. 

• Vital employees and community members leaving the area entirely. 

Source: MTC – Bay Area Housing Finance Authority 

About Funding Initiatives

Our Senior advocates aim to see funds raised to: 

• Increase Affordable Housing: Develop and maintain affordable housing units across the Bay Area to address the housing crisis.  

• Improve Community Infrastructure: Invest in community infrastructure projects with healthier and safer living conditions to enhance the overall quality of life in the region.  

• Expand Local funding: Local government bonds are one of the most powerful affordable housing financing sources available – we need a regional bond to address this regional issue.  

• Enhance Accessibility: Build new homes near jobs, transit, and stores, improving convenience and reducing commutes. 

• Revitalize Neighborhoods: Transform vacant lots and blighted properties into vibrant communities. 

• Enable Ownership: Facilitate pathways to ownership and greater housing stability by assisting first-time homebuyers. 

• Create Jobs and Boost the Economy: Generate approximately 47,000 construction jobs and another 47,000 permanent jobs. 

• Leverage Additional Funding: Enable the Bay Area to qualify for an estimated $30 billion in additional state and federal matching funds. 

Source: Bay Area Housing for All 

Contact Us

Have questions or need more information? Contact our advocacy team:

Get Involved
Hope & Justice Organizer, Ruby Rodriguez
Email: rrodriguez@stmaryscenter.org

Your support is crucial in making housing solutions a reality. Together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive, and sustainable community for all!