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A Milestone for Healthy, Resilient Homes in San Francisco

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Earlier this year, we gathered on Bryant Street in the Mission District to mark a major step forward for our Healthy Resilient Homes initiative. Community members, neighbors, and elected leaders—including Supervisor Jackie Fielder—came together to celebrate the completion of Phase 1 of the demonstration project at our member Amparo’s home. A whole-home electrification retrofit that replaces gas appliances with clean, safe alternatives at no cost to tenants or the building owner.

Amparo Vigil stood at the center of the celebration. A lifelong Mission District resident and PODER member, she opened her family’s four-unit building—purchased by her father in the 1908s—to serve as a demonstration project. For decades, Amparo has rented below market rate to Latinx families, honoring her father’s commitment to keeping the neighborhood strong. Now, her building features induction stoves, heat pump HVAC systems, upgraded electrical panels, and electric heat pump water heaters—creating increased energy efficiency, healthier air, protection from extreme heat, and greater climate resilience for everyone who calls this place home.

Antonio Díaz, PODER’s Organizational Director, opened the press conference by thanking partners and highlighting what this project proves: electrification can center working Latinx families, not displace them. Gas appliances burden households with volatile energy bills and indoor air pollution linked to asthma and respiratory illness. By removing these hazards while protecting working-class tenants and keeping rents stable, we’re showing that climate action and housing justice must go hand in hand—especially in historically redlined neighborhoods like the Mission.

Cyndy Comerford from the San Francisco Environment Department spoke next, affirming the city’s commitment to equitable building decarbonization and the partnership that made this project possible. Then, Supervisor Jackie Fielder took the mic, celebrating the work while calling for the Mission District to be included in SB 1221’s neighborhood-scale decarbonization zones—a resolution she recently championed that passed unanimously at the Board of Supervisors.

Photo by Demondre Ward

Following the speeches, we led a tour through the building. We started at the front steps, sharing the history of Amparo’s family and their deep roots in the Mission. Inside the garage, we showed the upgraded main service panel. In the hallway, we pointed to the new subpanels and meter upgrades. Out back, we gathered around the electric water heaters and condensers on the porch. Upstairs in Amparo’s apartment, people marveled at the mini-split heat pumps and induction stoves—touching the smooth cooktops, asking questions about utility bills, imagining what this could mean for their own homes. Amparo spoke about what great feeling of relief and joy she experienced the moment she watched the plumber turn off the gas to her home and finally have an all electric building.  

Photo by Demondre Ward

The work isn’t finished. Phase 2—insulation, roof repair, solar panels, and battery storage—awaits additional funding. But what we’ve built here is already a model. Lessons from Bryant Street are shaping state policy through the Equitable Building Decarbonization program and informing advocacy for SB 1221 to designate the Mission District as a priority for a neighborhood-scale decarbonization pilot project. PODER is part of a cohort of community-based organizations and local governments, convened by the Building Power Resource Center, that is advocating for the California Public Utilities Commission to select the Mission District for the pilot program.

Latinx working families want to be part of the solution to climate change—not left as afterthoughts. This project shows us what’s possible when everyday people lead, when trusted organizations with longstanding community relationships steward resources with care, and when public funding flows directly to those most impacted by structural disinvestment and climate chaos.

Photo by Demondre Ward

When we fight, we win!

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It is often stated that a budget is a statement of values. With San Francisco facing a $5 billion deficit over the next five years, it is telling where the city’s priorities and values are when Mayor Daniel Lurie released his budget for the upcoming year. City Hall proposed cuts to the social safety net that would have resulted in 25,000 San Franciscans losing essential services and more than 15,000 non-profit and city workers would have been laid off.

Instead of making cuts to massive Police Department or Sheriff’s overtime budgets and continuing a contract for surveillance technology among other dubious priorities, the Mayor’s budget cut housing support, youth programs, senior services, Free City College, workforce programs, climate action, and much more.

For the past several years, PODER has been an active member of the People’s Budget Coalition, a coalition of more than 150 community-based organizations, non-profits, and labor unions working together to advocate for a city budget that invests in San Francisco values.

This year’s budget advocacy started earlier than years prior, kicking off 2026 by requesting a meeting with Mayor Lurie’s office to discuss the budget. As a steering committee member of the People’s Budget Coalition, PODER was present for the entire journey! A colorful journey that included 10 Town Halls across the city, where over 2,000 postcards were collected, sharing community priorities with the Mayor.

Postcards delivered on May 12, 2026 at the Last Chance Lurie Action Photo Credit: @sfpeoplesbudget

The biggest push was during the Week of Action. From June 15th-18th, City Hall was buzzing with community members demanding restorations after the Mayor’s budget proposal would have undone decades worth of investments into San Francisco’s social safety net. The coalition worked with the Board of Supervisors in an effort to restore the cuts.

PODER members spoke on Public Comment Day providing thoughtful, data driven, heartfelt statements in hopes that members of the Board of Supervisors will fight for the programs left behind by the Mayor’s budget. Our inter-generational speakers lined up for hours to deliver a clear message, “Do not balance the budget on the backs of low income people of color who make this city run.”

As a result of the organizing of the People’s Budget Coalition, and the support of several key Board members, we won back a vast majority of the cuts. Twenty nine million dollars was restored. Unfortunately, not every cut was won back, but it is clear that when we fight, we win!

¡Cuando luchamos, ganamos!

A menudo se dice que un presupuesto es una declaración de valores. Con San Francisco enfrentando un déficit de 5 mil millones de dólares durante los próximos cinco años, las prioridades y los valores de la ciudad quedaron en evidencia cuando el alcalde Daniel Lurie presentó su presupuesto para el próximo año. El Ayuntamiento propuso recortes a la red de protección social que habrían dejado a 25,000 habitantes de San Francisco sin servicios esenciales y provocado el despido de más de 15,000 trabajadores de organizaciones sin fines de lucro y del gobierno municipal.

En lugar de reducir los enormes presupuestos de horas extras del Departamento de Policía o de la Oficina del Sheriff, y de poner fin a un contrato para tecnología de vigilancia, entre otras prioridades cuestionables, el presupuesto del alcalde recortó el apoyo a la vivienda, los programas para jóvenes, los servicios para personas mayores, Free City College, los programas de desarrollo laboral, la acción climática y mucho más.

Durante los últimos años, PODER ha sido un miembro activo de la Coalición por el Presupuesto del Pueblo (People’s Budget Coalition), una alianza de más de 150 organizaciones comunitarias, organizaciones sin fines de lucro y sindicatos que trabajan en conjunto para promover un presupuesto municipal que invierta en los valores de San Francisco.

Este año, la campaña de incidencia presupuestaria comenzó antes que en años anteriores. Arrancó este 2026 solicitando una reunión con la oficina del alcalde Lurie para dialogar sobre el presupuesto. Como integrante del comité directivo de la Coalición por el Presupuesto del Pueblo, !PODER estuvo presente durante todo el proceso! Un recorrido lleno de color que incluyó 10 asambleas comunitarias (Town Halls) en toda la ciudad, donde se recopilaron más de 2,000 postales en las que la comunidad compartió con el alcalde sus prioridades.

Postales entregadas el 12 de mayo de 2026 durante la acción Last Chance Lurie. Crédito de la foto: @sfpeoplesbudget.

El mayor impulso llegó durante la Semana de Acción. Del 15 al 18 de junio, el Ayuntamiento estuvo lleno de miembros de la comunidad que exigían la restauración de los fondos recortados, después de que la propuesta presupuestaria del alcalde amenazara con deshacer décadas de inversión en la red de protección social de San Francisco. La coalición trabajó junto con la Junta de Supervisores (Board of Supervisors) para lograr la restitución de esos recortes.

Integrantes de PODER participaron en el Día de Comentarios Públicos, ofreciendo intervenciones reflexivas, respaldadas por datos con la esperanza de que las y los integrantes de la Junta de Supervisores defendieran los programas que el presupuesto del alcalde había dejado de lado. Personas de distintas generaciones esperaron durante horas para transmitir un mensaje claro:

“No equilibren el presupuesto a costa de las personas de bajos ingresos y de las comunidades de color que hacen que esta ciudad funcione.”

Como resultado de la organización de la Coalición por el Presupuesto del Pueblo y del apoyo de varios miembros clave de la Junta de Supervisores, logramos recuperar la gran mayoría de los recortes. Se restituyeron 29 millones de dólares. Lamentablemente, no fue posible recuperar todos los fondos, pero quedó claro que ¡cuando luchamos, ganamos!

Fix Lead SF Program

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Last call for D9 and D11 zip codes! Approximately 75% of San Francisco residential units contain lead-based paint. At no cost to you, the City’s Fix Lead SF program will help property owners reduce lead poisoning risks. Examples of lead hazard reduction work may include installing new windows and fixing rubber doors.

Fix Lead SF makes it simple for property owners to take part. The program:

  • Hires certified inspectors and contractors, gets permits, and pays
  • Coordinates and pays for relocation to keep occupants safe during work
  • Does not have income requirements
  • Does not ask questions about previous work

Your property is eligible if:

  • A child less than six lives or visits often
  • Is in zip codes 94110, 94112, or 94124
  • Built before 1950
  • Has 9 units or less

To apply, visit HERE, call 415-252-3882, or email fixleadsf@sfdph.org

Lead Hurts Kids / El Plomo Daña a los Niños

Programa Fix Lead SF

¡Última oportunidad para los códigos postales de D9 y D11! Aproximadamente el 75% de las viviendas de San Francisco contienen pintura con plomo. Sin ningún costo para usted, el programa Fix Lead SF de la ciudad ayudará a los propietarios a reducir los riesgos de intoxicación por plomo. Entre los ejemplos de trabajos para reducir el riesgo de plomo se incluyen la instalación de ventanas nuevas y la reparación de puertas de goma.

Fix Lead SF facilita la participación a los propietarios. El programa:

  • Contrata a inspectores y contratistas certificados, tramita los permisos y se hace cargo de los gastos
  • Coordina y cubre los costos del realojamiento para garantizar la seguridad de los ocupantes durante las obras
  • No establece requisitos de ingresos
  • No hace preguntas sobre obras anteriores

El edificio califica si:

  • Un niño menor de 6 años de edad vive allí o visita con frecuencia, o si la familia espera un hijo pronto
  • Se encuentra en los códigos postales 94110, 94112 o 94124
  • Fue construido antes de 1950
  • Tiene 9 o menos unidades

Para aplicar, visita AQUÍ, llama al 415-252-3882 o envía un correo electrónico a fixleadsf@sfdph.org

Healthy home advocates and community members celebrate electrification of Mission District apartment building

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PODER-led project completes phase I with sustainable electric upgrades done in partnership with the City of San Francisco

San Francisco – Community members, organizers, city and state leaders gathered at a local apartment building on Bryant Street in the historic Mission District to celebrate its successful gas-to-electric conversion. The building now features electric HVAC heat pump systems, induction stoves and updated electric panels to support the electric appliance upgrades—all installed at no cost to the building owner or residents. 

“Low-income households should be first to benefit from electrification, not last,” said Antonio Díaz, Organizational Director of PODER. “Working families deserve access to lower energy bills, healthy homes, and clean energy. PODER is committed to scaling these solutions across our community.” 

The improvements are expected to lower energy bills for residents, eliminate dangerous indoor air pollution from gas-burning appliances, and provide families with efficient and clean heating and cooling systems. The project is led by PODER, an organization in San Francisco that organizes primarily with the city’s Latinx population to advance environmental and economic justice. 

“For decades my family have worked to sustain and nurture our Mission District community,” said Amparo Vigil, PODER member, longtime community member, and owner of the Bryant Street building. “Equitable electrification projects like this one allow us to help our neighbors breathe cleaner air with healthier, more resilient homes.”

Gas-burning appliances pose real health risks to families that live in homes with them. Gas stoves leak cancer-causing benzene in homes, causing levels that can be on par with living with secondhand smoke. Research shows that cooking with gas increases the risk of childhood asthma by 42%. Installing induction stoves will cut dangerous indoor air pollution and climate-harming emissions. 

Beyond individual homes, gas appliances have significant community-wide health impacts. Gas appliances in homes and buildings across the Bay Area are responsible for more smog-forming nitrogen oxide (NOx) pollution than the region’s passenger cars. Research shows that communities of color in the Bay Area are exposed to 55% more nitrogen dioxide (NO2) than predominantly white neighborhoods. Electrification projects that prioritize low-income communities help address these entrenched environmental inequities and improve public health at the neighborhood level.

The project was funded through a collaborative approach combining seed funding from the San Francisco Environment Department, incentives from TECH Clean California and the Bay Area Multifamily Building Enhancements (BAMBE) program, and foundation grants.

“Building decarbonization is central to meeting San Francisco’s ambitious climate goals,” said Cyndy Comerford, Climate Program Manager, San Francisco Department of the Environment. “We are proud to have partnered with PODER to support this project. We will continue to collaborate on future projects, and lead with equity so that all families are able to enjoy the savings, and health benefits of electrification in the city.” 

Last month, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to support a resolution that called on the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to include specific communities, including the Mission District, in the list of 30 pilot projects where an entire block would receive a gas-to-electric conversion. This is a potential avenue to expand equitable electrification to families in the Mission.

“Prioritizing equitable decarbonization is critical to mitigating the impacts of the climate crisis for working families,” said Jackie Fielder, San Francisco District 9 Supervisor. “Families should not have to breathe dangerous fumes in their home or worry whether they will be able to safely heat or cool their home. Equitable building decarbonization projects, like this one, can bring tremendous benefits to families in our community. That’s why my fellow Supervisors and I want to see many more of these projects throughout San Francisco, especially in neighborhoods like the Mission.”

Phase II of the project will include: updating the insulation in the building as well as installing solar panels and battery storage and will be completed within a year after the remaining funds are raised. The press event was followed by a tour of the building’s upgrades including: new HVAC heat pumps, induction stoves and updated electrical panels.

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Together and Prepared || Juntos y Preparados

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At PODER, we know that true safety doesn’t come from borders, badges, or military gear—it comes from the everyday ways we show up for one another: checking in on neighbors, sharing Know Your Rights tools, and protecting our families with collective vigilance.

The federal government’s playbook is clear: use militarized raids, criminalize protest, deny due process, and spread fear to divide us. In the face of threats from ICE, CBP, and the shadow of federal overreach, our most powerful act is mutual care. 

This moment calls us to reclaim our right to live with dignity, peace, and interdependence. As the Bay Area stands united against Trump’s war on our communities, we center care, preparedness, and solidarity—not fear. 

While Mayor Lurie reports that Trump and DHS Secretary Noem have temporarily called off plans to deploy federal troops in San Francisco, we must not let our guard down. ICE and CBP retain full authority to operate anywhere, at any time. Cities across the Bay—Oakland, San José, Richmond, and beyond—remain in the crosshairs. At PODER, we know better than to trust promises from a regime that weaponizes chaos. Our safety doesn’t come from politicians—it comes from each other.  

We won’t be silenced, intimidated, or caught unprepared.  

TODAY—Thursday, October 23—at 5 PM join us at Embarcadero Plaza for a rally and march to defend our immigrant and working-class communities. 

We re-affirm what we’ve always known: Environmental justice cannot exist while our people are subjected to violent borders, toxic detention centers, and repression. Our land, our health, and our communities are sacred.  

LET’S NOT LET OUR GUARD DOWN.  

✅ Continue to report suspicious activity to 415-200-1548 (SF) or your county number.  

✅ Keep your family emergency plan up to date.

✅Swipe to Adopt-a- Corner with the QR Code 

We keep us safe. El pueblo salva al pueblo.  

#FreeTheBay #WeKeepUsSafe 

Another world is possible—and we must defend it together.

 En PODER, sabemos que la verdadera seguridad no proviene de las fronteras, las placas o el equipo militar, sino de las formas cotidianas en que nos apoyamos unos a otros: cuidando a nuestros vecinos, compartiendo herramientas de conozca sus derechos y protegiendo a nuestras familias con vigilancia colectiva.

La estrategia del gobierno federal es clara: utilizar redadas militarizadas, criminalizar las protestas, negar el debido proceso y sembrar el miedo para dividirnos.  Ante las amenazas de ICE, CBP y la sombra de la extralimitación federal, nuestra acción más poderosa es el cuidado mutuo. 

Este momento nos llama a reclamar nuestro derecho a vivir con dignidad, paz e interdependencia. Mientras el Área de la Bahía se mantiene unida contra la guerra de Trump contra nuestras comunidades, nos centramos en el cuidado, la preparación y la solidaridad, no en el miedo. 

Aunque el alcalde Lurie informa de que Trump y la secretaria del DHS, Noem, han suspendido temporalmente los planes de desplegar tropas federales en San Francisco, no debemos bajar la guardia. La Migra (ICE y la CBP) conservan plena autoridad para operar en cualquier lugar y en cualquier momento. Las ciudades de la Bahía —Oakland, San José, Richmond y otras— siguen en el punto de mira. En PODER, sabemos que no debemos confiar en las promesas de un régimen que utiliza el caos como arma. Nuestra seguridad no proviene de los políticos, sino de nosotros mismos.  

No nos callarán, ni nos intimidarán, ni nos pillarán desprevenidos.  

HOY, jueves 23 de octubre, a las 5 de la tarde, únete a nosotros en Embarcadero Plaza para una manifestación y una marcha en defensa de nuestras comunidades de inmigrantes y de clase trabajadora. 

Reafirmamos lo que siempre hemos sabido: la justicia ambiental no puede existir mientras nuestra gente esté sometida a fronteras violentas, centros de detención tóxicos y represión. Nuestra tierra, nuestra salud y nuestras comunidades son sagradas.  

NO BAJEMOS LA GUARDIA.  

✅ Continúen reportando actividades sospechosas al 415-200-1548 (SF) o al número de su condado.  

✅ Mantenga actualizado su plan de emergencia familiar.

✅ Deslice el dedo para adoptar una esquina con el código QR. 

Nos mantenemos a salvo. El pueblo salva al pueblo.  

Otro mundo es posible, y debemos defenderlo juntos.

Promotoras Growing Power, Expanding Reach

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Our Promotora team is stepping into a new chapter—growing in number and deepening their impact across southeast San Francisco. This month, we’re proud to welcome Amparo Vigil into the Promotora crew as she takes on a vital role in the Equitable Building Decarbonization (EBD) program. Drawing from her experience as a longtime Mission resident and community leader, Amparo will lead grassroots outreach to connect working-class families with resources that make homes safer, healthier, and free from dangerous natural gas appliances.

For years, Promotoras have been the trusted voices in our neighborhoods, sharing knowledge about immigrant rights, emergency preparedness, and now, climate resilience. As part of the EBD Northern California coalition, our Promotoras are ensuring that households most impacted by disinvestment and environmental harm are the first to benefit from electrification—not an afterthought, but a priority.

We also recently hosted a powerful event at the San Francisco Public Library, where we shared the story behind our AudioZine project—a collaboration between PODER’s Civic Engagement team, community members, and Studio Plumbago. The room was full of neighbors, elders, and youth who listened, reflected, and celebrated how storytelling can be a tool for justice. We’re already preparing for the next phase: upcoming releases in Maya and Mam later this year. Stay tuned for details!

And if you’ve missed connecting with a Promotora, now’s your chance. We’re hosting open office hours so everyone can get their questions answered, access resources, and stay informed about what’s happening in our community. Find the schedule here:

As always, our message is clear: Somos expertas, y las más adecuadas de informar a nuestra comunidad. With every conversation, every home visit, every story told, we’re building power from the ground up—one relationship at a time.

Promotoras: más poder, mayor alcance

Nuestro equipo de promotoras está entrando en una nueva etapa: creciendo en número y profundizando su impacto en todo el sureste de San Francisco. Este mes, nos enorgullece dar la bienvenida a Amparo Vigil al equipo de promotoras, ya que asumirá un papel fundamental en el programa Equitable Building Decarbonization (EBD). Aprovechando su experiencia como residente de Mission desde hace mucho tiempo y líder comunitaria, Amparo dirigirá la divulgación a nivel local para conectar a las familias de clase trabajadora con recursos que hagan que sus hogares sean más seguros, saludables y libres de aparatos de gas natural peligrosos.

Durante años, las Promotoras han sido las voces de confianza en nuestros barrios, compartiendo conocimientos sobre los derechos de los inmigrantes, la preparación para emergencias y, ahora, la resiliencia climática. Como parte de la coalición EBD del norte de California, nuestras promotoras se aseguran de que los hogares más afectados por la desinversión y el daño medioambiental sean los primeros en beneficiarse de la electrificación, no como algo secundario, sino como una prioridad.

Recientemente también organizamos un evento muy impactante en la Biblioteca Pública de San Francisco, donde compartimos la historia detrás de nuestro proyecto AudioZine, una colaboración entre el equipo de Participación Cívica de PODER, miembros de la comunidad y Studio Plumbago. La sala estaba llena de vecinos, ancianos y jóvenes que escucharon, reflexionaron y celebraron cómo la narración de historias puede ser una herramienta para la justicia. Ya nos estamos preparando para la siguiente fase: los próximos lanzamientos en maya y mam a finales de este año. ¡Estén atentos para más detalles!

Y si se han perdido la oportunidad de conectar con una promotora, ahora es su oportunidad. Estamos organizando horas de oficina abiertas para que todos puedan obtener respuestas a sus preguntas, acceder a recursos y mantenerse informados sobre lo que está sucediendo en nuestra comunidad. Encuentre el calendario aquí:

Como siempre, nuestro mensaje es claro: Somos expertas y las más adecuadas para informar a nuestra comunidad. Con cada conversación, cada visita a domicilio, cada historia contada, estamos construyendo poder desde la base, una relación a la vez.