SF Chinatown hosts toy giveaway for SRO families moving into affordable housing
December 12, 2023
The Chinatown Community Development Center hosted an early Christmas event in San Francisco featuring a toy giveaway and celebrations for families who recently moved into affordable housing.
About the event: Despite pandemic-related challenges, the event featuring food and music at the Gordon J. Lau Elementary School in Chinatown on Sunday symbolized a positive turn for the community. The organizers reportedly distributed around 250 gifts to 100 families who lived in single-room occupancy hotels (SRO), which are typically 100-square-foot rooms with shared amenities. The toys that were given to the children were donated by local hospitals and churches.
“I think we’re finally starting to feel like things are beginning to turn around and events like this are just symbolic of that,” said Malcolm Yeung, executive director of the Chinatown Community Development Center, according to NBC Bay Area.
Successfully relocating families: Mayor London Breed, who was present, and the city were acknowledged for their efforts in transitioning families to affordable housing. According to the mayor’s office, city programs have successfully relocated 100 SRO families into affordable housing since 2020. The initiatives, such as the SRO Families Rental Subsidy Program, supported by $5.3 million in annual city funding, provide rent subsidies to low-income families, facilitating their move to more stable residences.
“I am so happy and proud of the work that we have done together that made it possible for so many of you who were living in very cramped conditions, to now spread out — and in some cases have your own bedroom — to live in San Francisco in dignity,” said Breed, according to ABC 7.
More toy giveaway: The Salvation Army, anticipating a 30% increase in toy demand this year, will reportedly distribute toys to approximately 1,600 children on Dec. 19. Donations and support can be offered through their website.
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