Senator Scott Wiener (2nd from right) is pictured with Mission Housing executives (left to right) Michael Chao, Márcia Contreras, Sam Moss and Robert Goldman as they receive the resolution naming the organization 2018 Nonprofit of the Year representing the 11th Senatorial District. Photo by Tony Bear!

Senator Scott Wiener designates Mission Housing Development Corporation to represent 11th Senatorial District at third annual California Nonprofits Day at the California State Capitol, June 6

Executives from Mission Housing Development Corporation traveled to Sacramento, CA on Wednesday, June 6, 2018, to be recognized on the senate floor by state Senator Scott Wiener. The recognition highlighted the organization’s long history of community support, and providing invaluable services to the people of the local area.

“WHEREAS, The relationship between a community and its nonprofit organizations is a vital and interdependent one, deriving its strength from the civic involvement and dedication of those who engage with such organizations, the many positive outcomes these organizations make possible, and the spirit of cooperation and respect they foster within the community, and Mission Housing Development Corporation is one such stellar nonprofit organization,” said Senator Wiener, in his proclamation.

The recognition was part of a luncheon sponsored and organized by the California Association of Nonprofits (CalNonprofits), a statewide “chamber of commerce” for nonprofits. The annual event honors nonprofit community champions and displays the breadth and impact of California’s nonprofit sector. This year, the Masonic Temple of Sacramento was the venue, where the leaders of ninety-seven organizations gathered to be recognized as Nonprofits of the Year by their senators and assembly members.

“We are very grateful to Senator Wiener and his staff for recognizing Mission Housing,” said Sam Moss, Executive Director of the organization. “Our Resident Services team puts a ton of hard work and dedication into making certain the people who live in and near our buildings have access to the resources they need to survive and thrive.”

“Mission Housing is very proud of the partnerships we’ve cultivated with a variety organizations and agencies around San Francisco,’ said Márcia Contreras, Deputy Executive Director of the organization. “Through our partnerships we are able to greatly impact the quality of life for our community residents, and for our neighborhoods.”

The full text of Sen. Wiener’s proclamation can be found below.

California Senate RESOLUTION

By the Honorable Scott D. Wiener, 11th Senatorial District;

Relative to Commending

Mission Housing Development Corporation

WHEREAS, On June 6, 2018, the California Association of Nonprofits will host the third annual California Nonprofits Day at the California State Capitol, and at that time, Mission Housing Development Corporation will be honored as the 11th Senatorial District’s 2018 Nonprofit of the Year in recognition of its long-standing support of the community, and upon this occasion, Mission Housing Development Corporation is deserving of special public recognition; and

WHEREAS, The relationship between a community and its nonprofit organizations is a vital and interdependent one, deriving its strength from the civic involvement and dedication of those who engage with such organizations, the many positive outcomes these organizations make possible, and the spirit of cooperation and respect they foster within the community, and Mission Housing Development Corporation is one such stellar nonprofit organization; and

WHEREAS, Since 1971, Mission Housing Development Corporation has been committed to providing high quality, well-managed, affordable, and sustainable housing for low and moderate income families, seniors, and persons with diverse needs in San Francisco; and

WHEREAS, Serving more than 3,000 residents in its portfolio of 44 owned or managed buildings, Mission Housing Development Corporation provides residents access to the best social service programs available through partnerships with leading nonprofit organizations and offers technical assistance to service providers to help them develop affordable housing that meets the needs of the populations they serve such as the physically or mentally disabled and the critically ill; and

WHEREAS, Respecting and building community with its residents and staff, Mission Housing Development Corporation offers tenant-centered resident services born through community input and tailored to address the needs of each housing development and each individual, including health screenings, social services, a computer learning center housing stabilization and referrals services, nutrition, behavioral health, and academic enrichment, to name just a few of its services; and

WHEREAS, In addition to one-on-one, in-house case management, the Mission Housing Development Corporation’s Resident Services Coordinators assess daily how to best deliver no-cost, voluntary on-site quality of life enhancements to tenants, providing a vibrant, safe, and affordable way of living, as demonstrated through its translation assistance, crisis de-escalation and resolution, financial education, workforce development, resident leadership development and community engagement, and social and recreational activities; and

WHEREAS, By contributing to the success and sustainability of the community in which it serves, Mission Housing Development Corporation enhances the quality of life for community residents and instills a great sense of pride in the individuals who are associated with it; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED BY SENATOR SCOTT D. WIENER, That he takes great pleasure in congratulating Mission Housing Development Corporation on its selection as the 11th Senatorial District’s 2018 Nonprofit of the Year, commends It for providing invaluable services to the people of the local area, and applauds it for its long history of community support.

Member Resolution No. 502 | Dated this 6th day of June, 2018.

The students from the San Francisco State University School of Nursing who are delivering community health care to Mission Housing residents in 2018 are: (left to right) Kelsey Christenson, Ali Al-Nabulsi, Brianna Garcia, Brenda Salazar, Lupita Estrada, Monique Gutierrez, and Jessica Donohue. Photo by Tony Bear!

San Francisco State University School of Nursing students deliver community health care to Mission Housing residents

As part of their dedication to reducing health disparities in San Francisco communities, every San Francisco State University School of Nursing student completes a community health course of study, also known as a practicum, in the pre-licensure phase of their program. Practicums — supervised on-site work experiences applying previously studied theory — help prepare clinicians by allowing them to practice and demonstrate their developing skills.

Since 2008, students from the SFSU School of Nursing, as part of their practicums, have delivered health talks, biometric health screenings and wellness checks to seniors residing in Mission Housing Development Corporation communities.

Examples of chronic health conditions affecting the residents include unmanaged diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol, as well as, bone, joint and skin conditions. Flu season presents special challenges for this population.

The Mission Housing Resident Services Department coordinates the monthly on-site community meetings featuring the nursing students at Alcantara Court, Apollo Hotel and Altamont Hotel. Seniors from other Mission Housing communities are invited.

The student nurses conduct one-on-one consultations with residents during the monthly meetings. Vital signs, height and weight, and biometric health indicators are recorded. Some residents are assessed head-to-toe physicals, and their risk of falling is evaluated. Residents are also free to discuss specific health issues with the nursing students.

The emotional and mental well-being of the seniors is screened, using modified Mini-Mental State Examinations (also known as MMSEs), and Beck’s Depression Inventory.

Residents leave their one-on-one consultation with a complete health history and physical assessment.

The nursing students also conduct health information talks, covering topics such as fall prevention, and bicycle safety.

The Resident Services team at Mission Housing provides a number of social and community services that help tenants stabilize their lives and eventually prosper. Photo montage by Tony Bear!

Donations to new fund earmarked for quality-of-life services provided to Mission Housing tenants at no cost

All of the people living in the buildings of Mission Housing Development Corporation are defined as low- to moderate-income, and many face significant challenges and difficult circumstances.

Every day, the team of Resident Services Coordinators at Mission Housing works to provide one-on-one case management, and make quality-of-life enhancements available to more than 3,000 people residing in Mission Housing buildings. Resident and community services help tenants stabilize their lives and eventually prosper.

Services provided by Mission Housing are born through community input and tailored to address the needs of each individual resident, each housing development, and the unique neighborhoods surrounding each complex.

Many of the voluntary social services provided on-site are the result of partnerships created with local service providers. These tenant-centered resident services stabilize and empower hundreds of Mission Housing inhabitants every year.

“Some of the vulnerable San Franciscans who come to live at Mission Housing arrive with only the clothes on their back,” said Sam Moss, Executive Director of Mission Housing. “Putting a roof over someone’s head is merely the beginning of the journey. The real work begins once an individual or family is housed. Our goal is to help residents achieve and maintain independent living as soon as possible.”

“Mission Housing does whatever it takes to create a stabilizing environment.”

“Stabilizing” often means providing personal items like toiletries, bedding, clothing or other items to residents transitioning from homelessness, or, helping a low-income family access services such as child care, before and after school care, and food pantries. Resident Services Coordinators also refer tenants to health and dental screenings, and other wellness services that contribute to the overall well-being of each family member.

Once residents have been stabilized, the focus of the Resident Services team turns to quality-of-life issues. Computer labs & technology training, arts & crafts classes, health & wellness classes, life skills classes, community social hours and more are provided. Community organizing programs help empower residents to have a stake in their neighborhoods. Social gatherings help residents engage with their neighbors, preventing loneliness and depression.

Revenue from housing development rent is designated to address building capital improvements, repairs, general operations issues and mortgage payments. Since the extra mile of care provided by Mission Housing Resident Services comes from discretionary funds, applying the services consistently can be a challenge.

Now, the Mission Housing Board of Directors has authorized the creation of a special pool of money earmarked exclusively for Resident Services.

The Mission Housing Tenant Health, Wellness and Community Fund will receive financial donations that will support creating stable, vibrant and healthy communities.

“An important part of our mission is promoting the self-sufficiency of low and moderate income families, seniors, and persons with considerable life challenges,” said Marcía Contreras, Director of Operations and Resident Services for Mission Housing. “Donations to the Mission Housing Tenant Health and Wellness Fund will help us continue to provide accessible, much needed services to our residents, at no cost to them.”

“This fund is a way to channel what we receive from charitable people who want to support the well-being of our residents.”

The fund will receive donations throughout the year. Tax deductible donations can be made electronically via PayPal at the “Donate” button below, or via check sent to:

Mission Housing Tenant Health and Wellness Fund
474 Valencia St., #280, San Francisco, CA 94103

Sponsorships and ticket sales for the Mission Housing 2017 Gala, Silent Auction and Community Awards on September 14, 2017, will also raise money for the Tenant Health and Wellness Fund. Find out more about the gala HERE.

Representing Mission Housing at the SF-Marin Food Bank Pantry Appreciation Lunch were: (standing, from left) Thomas Caulk, Resident Services Coordinator; Eric Chak, volunteer; Aaron Bustamante, Resident Services Coordinator; Millie Liu, volunteer; Selina Wong, volunteer; Marcía Contreras, Director of Operations and Resident Services. Kneeling in front are Martín Ugarte, (left) Associate Director of Resident Services and Karla Perez, Resident Services Coordinator.

More than twenty years of food pantry operations recognized by SF-Marin Food Bank; food pantry staff and volunteers enjoy luncheon

Mission Housing Development Corporation has been recognized as having more than twenty years of partnership with the SF-Marin Food Bank.

Members of the Mission Housing Resident Services team attended the SF-Marin Food Bank Pantry Appreciation Lunch on Tuesday, June 20, 2017. There, SF-Marin Food Bank honored entities that have served as outlets for delivering neighborhood food pantry services.

SF-Marin Food Bank collaborates with a network of 419 community organizations in delivering food assistance to end hunger and food insecurity in San Francisco. Important to the food bank’s effort is securing venues to host food pantries. Residences owned by Mission Housing — Dunleavy Apartments and Esperanza Apartments — were two of the fourteen developments honored with the Longevity Award at the luncheon.

“We are very proud to have Dunleavy and Esperanza be among the first affordable housing operations to partner with SF-Marin Food Bank,” said Marcía Contreras, Mission Housing Director of Operations and Resident Services. “Now, several of our family buildings, SROs and senior residences host weekly food pantries.”

Contreras invited three Mission Housing residents who volunteer at the weekly food pantries to attend the event.

“Our residents who volunteer to facilitate the weekly food pantries perform an important service, and we are very grateful to have their participation.”

In addition to food, SF-Marin Food Bank provides Mission Housing residents with nutrition-education resources and workshops, language and translation support, and food-safety training.