Led by the Partnership for HOPE SF, the Place to Prosper initiative fosters growth and stability in the HOPE SF community through economic advancement and leadership-building opportunities for residents.
The Place to Prosper initiative will deliver research, leadership, and economic advancement opportunities to HOPE SF residents.
This Initiative is a product of the HOPE SF Wealth Building Framework, published in September 2021, which aimed to address the economic insecurity faced by many San Francisco residents as a result of historic oppression and the disproportionate impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Developed through a years-long effort of resident consultants, the framework outlines a holistic vision of economic advancement and wealth building using various research-backed interventions, such as a cash transfer program, to respond to the immediate basic needs of HOPE SF residents.
This Initiative is a product of the HOPE SF Wealth Building Framework, published in September 2021, which aimed to address the economic insecurity faced by many San Francisco residents as a result of historic oppression and the disproportionate impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Developed through a years-long effort of resident consultants, the framework outlines a holistic vision of economic advancement and wealth building using various research-backed interventions, such as a cash transfer program, to respond to the immediate basic needs of HOPE SF residents.
The Initiative aims to:
1
Empower parents via economic stability and improve the wellbeing and educational achievement of their children.
2
Increase social capital, prevent displacement, and enhance feelings of safety and social cohesion for cash transfer recipients and resident researchers/advisors alike.
3
Identify policy reforms and equip community members with policy advocacy tools to invest in the economic security and asset needs of working-class families and communities in San Francisco and beyond.
Strategy
The Place to Prosper initiative is investing in 75 HOPE SF residents who have at least one child under the age of 5 years old. Members of the fund will receive investments of $700 a month for 24 months and be supported holistically with community-based organizations centered on resident voice and leadership, building community wealth, and supporting healthy communities.
A group of residents will be trained as researchers to conduct interviews, and focus groups to assess the impact of the pilot. Residents will be convened to advise on pilot research and advocate for policy change on behalf of their communities.
The Initiative is formed around 75 HOPE SF families who will receive $700 a month in unrestricted funds for 24 months. A HOPE SF-based Resident Advisory Committee will provide guidance for the Initiative, and research will be conducted by HOPE SF residents. Resident Researchers will receive training in qualitative research methods from our SF-based program partner Jumuiya Research Institute.
The Place to Prosper Resident Researchers learn to conduct community research to understand the effects of the Place to Prosper economic advancement program on its participants. The Place to Prosper Resident Researchers will be composed of 5-8 diverse HOPE SF residents. Resident Researchers will receive training over the course of 5 months and 16 workshop sessions that will focus on how to conduct community-based participatory research, including resident interviews and focus groups across the four HOPE SF sites.
The Place to Prosper Resident Advisory Committee (RAC) plays an important role in thoughtfully reviewing and advising on key aspects of the Place to Prosper initiative to enhance its impact on the community. It will consist of 4-6 diverse HOPE SF residents and will play a crucial role in guiding the initiative. Committed to prioritizing the experiences of BIPOC community members, the RAC will meet quarterly from June 2024 to May 2026, addressing various aspects of the pilot.
The Place to Prosper Cash Transfer Program Participants will receive $700 a month in unrestricted funds over 24 months. Participants must reside within a HOPE SF site or offsite unit and must be the full-time caregiver of a child or children aged five and under. Those children must live in that caregiver’s HOPE SF unit and be listed with the caregiver on the household’s lease with the San Francisco Housing Authority or their respective HOPE SF property management agency.
The Initiative is formed around 75 HOPE SF families who will receive $700 a month in unrestricted funds for 24 months. A HOPE SF-based Resident Advisory Committee will provide guidance for the Initiative, and research will be conducted by HOPE SF residents. Resident Researchers will receive training in qualitative research methods from our SF-based program partner Jumuiya Research Institute.
The Place to Prosper Resident Advisory Committee (RAC) plays an important role in thoughtfully reviewing and advising on key aspects of the Place to Prosper initiative to enhance its impact on the community. It will consist of 8-10 diverse HOPE SF residents and will play a crucial role in guiding the initiative. Committed to prioritizing the experiences of BIPOC community members, the RAC will meet quarterly from June 2024 to May 2026, addressing various aspects of the pilot.
The Place to Prosper Resident Researchers learn to conduct community research to understand the effects of the Place to Prosper economic advancement program on its participants. The Place to Prosper Resident Researchers will be composed of 8-10 diverse HOPE SF residents. Resident Researchers will receive training over the course of 5 months and 16 workshop sessions that will focus on how to conduct community-based participatory research, including resident interviews and focus groups across the four HOPE SF sites.
The Place to Prosper Cash Transfer Program Participants will receive $700 a month in unrestricted funds over 24 months. Participants must reside within a HOPE SF site or offsite unit and must be the full-time caregiver of a child or children aged five and under. Those children must live in that caregiver’s HOPE SF unit and be listed with the caregiver on the household’s lease with the San Francisco Housing Authority or their respective HOPE SF property management agency.
TIMELINE
October 2020 – May 2022:
The HOPE SF Wealth Building Committee, comprised of HOPE SF residents and the Partnership for HOPE SF, convened to create the Wealth Building Framework and select the focus of the Place to Prosper initiative.
May 2023:
Place to Prosper initiative strategies were presented to the HOPE SF Wealth Building Committee.
August 2023 – July 2024:
The Place to Prosper Committee, comprised of initiative partners and the Partnership for HOPE SF, convened with meetings ongoing.
March 2024 – June 2024:
HOPE SF Resident Advisory Council members were selected and trained.
March 2024 – July 2024:
HOPE SF Resident Researchers were selected and are underwent training.
June 2024:
The Place to Prosper initiative’s application for HOPE SF residents opened.
August 2024:
Place to Prosper participants selected, payments distributed.
January 2025:
Resident Researchers conduct interviews with pilot participants.
In Partnership With
