Join The San Francisco Chronicle on July 8, 2020 from 6-7 pm for a free, live-streamed discussion featuring a panel of experts tackling the homelessness crisis in the Bay Area. Learn about the current issues, the latest solutions and how our community can help. Tickets: https://tickets.sfchronicle.com/e/chronicle-talks-sfhp

The growing crisis of homelessness in the Bay Area is rapidly increasing. The COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting recession have strained an already fraught system. The complexity of the issue makes solving this crisis seem impossible. However, we know that lifting up the most vulnerable among us is a humanitarian imperative.

So many people in need, and our local service organizations are overwhelmed with requests. On top of the individual and business needs related to the pandemic, some of our long-time waterfront businesses were decimated by fire. Here are some recommended San Francisco and Bay Area groups that can benefit from our donations.

Local Groups in Need—in our Neighborhood

• SF Fishing Fleet Fire Recovery  (goal $1 million)

A fire destroyed Pier 45, Shed C on May 23 at Fisherman’s Wharf. While fortunate not to lose any lives, San Francisco fishing men & women have lost millions of dollars in fishing gear (mostly un- or underinsured)—approximately 2/3 of the capacity to harvest the fresh seafood that is delivered to San Francisco and the essence of our livelihoods. The Crab Boat Owners Association (since 1958) is asking for our help. Donated funds will provide direct assistance to fishing men and women so that we can reequip our fishing businesses with the gear necessary to continue working and bringing fresh seafood to San Francisco.

• North Beach Citizens

As a frontline service provider in North Beach, North Beach Citizens have seen a 60% increase in people seeking help—distributing 3 times more food to the community than this time last year through daily meals “to-go,” and Wednesday Community Food Pantry. They also put homeless people to work in their street beautification program. As a beacon of support for the neighborhood — they ensure that people who are living close to the margins know that they are part of a caring community and connected to support. Check out their Fund-a-Need list which includes a COVID19 Lifeline program.

San Francisco & Bay Area Non-Profits—focused on Pandemic Needs

• Give to SF City COVID-19 Response

The City and County of San Francisco can accept tax-deductible monetary contributions for the City’s COVID-19 outbreak response efforts which go to providing shelter, food and other assistance to individuals, families, small businesses, and nonprofits in San Francisco. See Report of funds received and disbursed as of 6/12/20.

• Chronicle Season of Sharing—COVID19 Response 

This fund has operated for 34 years, usually during the November-December holidays but now has expedited over $1.9 million in emergency assistance funds to Bay Area county partners to be used for housing and critical family needs related to this pandemic. Thanks to the support of the Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund and the San Francisco Chronicle, every dollar donated goes towards our neighbors in need.

• SF-Marin Food Bank

Every $1 donated provides 2 meals for SF people in need.

• Meals on Wheels

The only San Francisco organization offering two home-delivered meals a day, 7 days a week, nutritionally tailored to meet the dietary needs of seniors.

• La Cocina

A Mission District organization that supports low-income food entrepreneurs as they formalize and grow their business. A community of talented entrepreneurs believes that given the right resources, they can create self-sufficient businesses that benefit themselves, their families, their community, and the whole city.

Other San Francisco Charities

• List of San Francisco-centered charities
• The San Francisco Foundation (Large general purpose and donor directed foundation)
• You can also consult Charity Navigator to find effective non-profit causes
• Want volunteer opportunities? Check out Californians For All

The San Francisco County Transportation Authority (SFCTA) is holding a meeting tonight on downtown congestion pricing. Interested community members are encouraged to attend. It remains unclear how a pricing plan would apply to residents within the congestion zone.

Virtual Policy Advisory Committee Meeting 
Thursday, June 25
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
See agenda and meeting materials

Background 
SFCTA is conducting a study to explore how a fee to drive into downtown/SoMa during busy hours could get traffic moving, increase street safety, clean the air, and make our transportation system more equitable. This is a strategy called congestion pricing. Through early 2021, SFCTA will partner with community members to shape and assess various scenarios for what a downtown congestion pricing program could look like. A final recommendation is expected to be presented to the SFCTA board for consideration in early 2021.

Ways you can get involved

• Visit SFCTA’s blog for a spring 2020 update.
  This spring, the Policy Advisory Committee adopted the Goals and Metrics for the study, and SFCTA is analyzing how various congestion pricing scenarios would meet the study’s goals and success metrics. Learn more.
• Watch a 15-minute presentation.
  Watch a 15-minute overview from project manager Colin Dentel-Post.
• Visit the SFCTA website to learn about congestion pricing.
  The congestion pricing project webpage features updates and opportunities to get involved.
• Stay tuned via email.
  Sign up for email updates here.

Reach out to the project team if you have questions: congestion-pricing@sfcta.org.