Celebrating 35 Years of Advocacy: Empowering Residents, Transforming Communities

 
 

Celebrating 35 Years of Advocacy: Empowering Residents, Transforming Communities

 

For 35 years, the San Diego Housing Federation has been at the forefront of advocating for safe, affordable housing for all. One of the most transformative initiatives in this ongoing mission is the Residents United Network (RUN), a statewide advocacy program that has empowered residents to take an active role in shaping affordable housing policies. 

What started in 2011 as the Resident Popular Educators Program in partnership with City Heights CDC and Community HousingWorks quickly grew into something much larger. By 2014, the program expanded statewide and became known as Residents United Network (RUN).  

Its mission was simple yet powerful: equip residents of affordable housing with the knowledge and tools they need to advocate for policies that directly impact their lives. 

RUN was created to ensure that those most affected by housing policies had a seat at the table. Through education, empowerment, and community building, the program enables residents to engage in advocacy work, ensuring their voices are heard in legislative decisions.

 
 

Growth, Leadership, and Successful Advocacy 

Over the years, RUN has grown and evolved to make an even greater impact. The program has embraced technology to connect advocates across the state, using virtual platforms like Zoom to enhance participation and communication. RUN has also developed a peer mentorship system, where experienced members guide and support new advocates as they learn how to make their voices heard. Membership has expanded significantly, growing by 18% in the past year alone. 

RUN's impact is undeniable. Some of its major advocacy wins include: 

  • Propositions 1 and 2 in 2018: RUN helped secure $6 billion in funding for affordable and supportive housing through voter education campaigns in affordable housing communities statewide. 

  • SB 2 (Atkins): RUN successfully advocated for a permanent funding source for affordable housing, achieved within four years of the program’s creation, as part of the 2017 housing legislation. 

  • SB 1380 (Mitchell): RUN helped make California a "Housing First" state by leading the #shelterfromtherain campaign, which influenced Governor Brown to sign the bill into law. 

  • SB 329 (Mitchell): RUN's advocacy helped prevent landlord discrimination against people using housing vouchers like Section 8, increasing housing access for vulnerable groups. 

  • AB 2219 (Ting): RUN supported legislation that made it illegal for landlords to reject third-party rent payments, providing more payment options for renters. 

  • AB 447 (Maienschein): RUN worked to eliminate insurance discrimination against Section 8 tenants, advancing fairer housing practices. 

  • AB 71 (Rivas): RUN’s efforts around AB 71, “Bring California Home Act” helped secure $1 billion in permanent funding for homelessness services in the state budget.

Join the Movement 

As we celebrate 35 years of advocacy, we recognize that the fight for housing justice is far from over. RUN continues to be a powerful force, equipping residents with the knowledge and skills to advocate for policies that protect and uplift their communities. 

Your support can help sustain and expand this essential work. A donation to SDHF directly contributes to RUN’s advocacy efforts, ensuring that residents continue to have a voice in shaping California’s housing policies. 

Together, we can build a future where safe and affordable housing is a reality for all. Donate today and be a part of the change.

 
 
 
 
35th Anniversary CampaignIsabella Anderson35th AnniversaryComment