Prop A authorizes a $310 million housing bond to finance the construction, development and preservation of affordable housing that prioritizes seniors, middle income families, veterans and disabled persons. Prop A will not raise taxes. But a two-thirds majority vote is required to pass this type of housing bond. Each vote for Prop A is critically needed to reach the required two-thirds vote. Your vote matters! Vote Prop A.
San Francisco lost a major source of affordable housing money when Governor Brown closed the redevelopment agencies to balance the state’s budget in 2011. Prop A’s bond financing does not make up for all lost revenues, but it is a step toward keeping our city’s rich diversity by providing home stability and housing security for the city’s most vulnerable populations. San Francisco seniors, middle-income families, veterans and disabled persons need your help.
Prop A bond money will fund middle income rental housing and assist middle income residents, such as teachers, in purchasing their first home in the City. Many low-income seniors, including LGBT seniors, who have been hardest hit by rising housing costs and escalating evictions, will be able to stay in San Francisco. With your vote, you can help seniors stay in their homes and in their communities.
In a recent survey (2014) of San Francisco’s LGBT seniors, housing instability was identified as a major concern. Thirty percent of LGBT senior participants had incomes at or below the federal poverty level of $11,670. The percentage of participants at the poverty level increased to 40% when measured by the California Elder Economic Security Index (EESI), which includes local rent costs. Two-thirds of San Francisco’s LGBT senior participants were concerned that they may be forced to relocate away from home, extended family and friends. When LGBT seniors are forced to leave San Francisco, they are hard pressed to find safe, LGBT-friendly communities in which to live.
Prop A will not build enough housing to solve San Francisco’s housing crisis, but it is a step in the right direction. The Board of Supervisors, Mayor Ed Lee and Senator Feinstein unanimously endorse Prop A. Be a part of the solution, and vote “yes” on Prop A.
Marcy Adelman, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist in private practice, is co-founder of the non-profit organization Openhouse and was a leading member of the San Francisco LGBT Aging Policy Task Force.
LGBT Resources for Seniors
Alzheimer’s Association Programs and Services:
SF Suicide Prevention Hotline
(415) 781-0500
Institute on Aging Friendship Line (415) 752-3778
Dr. Marcy Adelman oversees the Aging in Community column. For her summary of current LGBT senior challenges and opportunities,please go to: sfbaytimes.com/challenges-and-opportunties
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