REP-SF Planning to the People Newsletter: Sept. 2026
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Aug. 15: SF Citywide Tenant Assembly
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On August 15, REP-SF was honored to join our allied coalition, the San Francisco Anti-Displacement Coalition (SFADC), in the first annual Citywide Tenant Assembly! We connected with tenants from across San Francisco, shared resources, built a plan to fight back against speculators, and heard stories from people who have successfully organized to stop evictions, lower the rent, and win essential repairs. Thank you to all of our REP-SF member organizations, allies, and tenants who participated! When we fight, we win!!
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REP-SF In the News: Homeless Services
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REP-SF featured: REP-SF and member coalition, the Coalition on Homelessness (COH) were interviewed about Mayor Lurie's announcement that the City will be conducting a re-procurement of all of its homelessness service contracts to cut down spending. All of the homelessness service contracts will be put back out to a competitive bid process.
San Francisco mayor says city will redo all homelessness services contracts, KPIX | CBS News Bay Area, Aug. 31: Joseph Smooke, policy organizer with REP-SF said, "It was a bit of a surprise that the mayor was coming out with a release about overhauling a whole system of programs that our organizational members feel that they are experts at. Because these are the issues that they deal with every day."
Jennifer Friedenbach, executive director of COH, said she was afraid that would simply result in fewer units of housing the City would be willing to supply for people. "We have over 12,000 households waiting for these types of units in San Francisco today that are currently without housing," said Friedenbach. "So, we have a huge backlog and need, and the last thing we want to do is lose one single unit."
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REP-SF Members: Heroes for Housing Justice
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Aug. 19: SOMCAN Community Forum
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REP-SF member South of Market Community Action Network (SOMCAN) conducted a visioning activity with SOMA and Tenderloin residents on August 19 at the Bayanihan Community Center. Participants were asked to design their ideal neighborhood, and they overwhelmingly shared that they wanted to see more rent-controlled and affordable homes in their communities!
This event is part of REP-SF and SOMCAN's Claiming Space for Community Initiative. REP and SOMCAN just conducted a survey about the housing needs of people living in San Francisco. We will compile the data from this survey into a report that we will use to 1) advocate for the preservation and expansion of affordable housing in San Francisco, and 2) enable low-income people, immigrants, and people of color to live close to employment, transit, and essential services. Thank you to everyone who completed the survey!
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Sept. 10: COHSF's Art Auction 26
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Join REP-SF member, the Coalition on Homelessness for its annual Art Auction 2026 this Thursday, September 10, 2026, from 5:30–10 pm at SOMArts Cultural Center. This year's theme is "United by Love: Transforming Art into Action." A ticket includes admission to an unforgettable evening featuring inspiring artwork, catered food, and an open bar, all while supporting the Coalition on Homelessness' mission to end homelessness and advance housing justice. Come celebrate the power of art to bring community together and transform creativity into action. Get your tickets!
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Sept. 24: SOMA Pilipinas 10th Anniversary Celebration
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DEKADA Celebration & Fundraising Party:
Thursday, September 24, 2026, 5:30–9 pm at SOMArts (934 Brannan Street)
Join REP-SF member SOMA Pilipinas Filipino Cultural Heritage District in celebrating a decade of community arts, activism, and cultural impact! Since receiving official recognition from the City in 2016, SOMA Pilipinas has grown from a designated district into a living, breathing cultural ecosystem—one shaped by generations of Filipino families, artists, activists, and workers who refused to be erased from the neighborhood they built. SOMA Pilipinas’ ten-year impact could not have been possible without the sustained partnership of legacy Filipino arts and community organizations whose roots in the South of Market run deep. Get your tickets!
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Nov. 19: Celebrate 15 Years of People Power Media!
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Thursday, November 19 at The Plough and Stars (116 Clement St)
Event starts at 5:30 pm. Program starts promptly at 6:00 pm.
Join us on November 19 to lift a glass and toast REP-SF member People Power Media's 15th Anniversary! People Power Media's mission is to build power for housing justice and equity in land use. Through multimedia popular education, policy innovation, and grassroots organizing, we’re creating communities that are truly equitable, affordable, and diverse. Your support will make a difference for communities fighting for the future of San Francisco. Get your tickets and donate here!
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