Over the past several weeks, our participants have been sharing with us what Community Living Campaign programs mean in their daily lives. They talk about getting to medical appointments. About having enough food. About having somewhere to go during the week and people to see when they get there.
“I want to be safe, and I want friends.” – Inner Sunset participant
At a moment when the City is proposing significant cuts to senior and disability programs, our neighbors’ voices make clear what is actually at stake. If you’re interested in sharing your thoughts about the importance of these and other senior- and disability-focused programs in our City, you can email stories to happy@sfcommunityliving.org, fill out a Dignity Fund Postcard, or share your budget priority with the Mayor’s office.
Staying Healthy
For many participants, CLC programs are how they maintain their health, access care, and recover from illness or injury. They are part of how people maintain physical stability and avoid serious health consequences. Movement, healthy food, and access to care allow people to continue living safely in their own homes. Without them, the risk of injury and loss of independence increases quickly.
“The exercise helps us maintain our mobility, balance, and reduce risk of falls.” – Crocker Amazon participant
“I am able to get the necessary medical care because of CLC. This care is vital to preventing the furtherance of my disability.” – Transportation participant
“My ETC [Essential Trip Card] was extremely helpful after having hip replacement surgery… I was able to go to all my physical therapy and medical appointments.” – Transportation participant
“I am so grateful to the Community Living Campaign for enriching my life and keeping my body and brains moving, healthy, and vibrant.” – Online Qigong participant
Survey data reflects this impact. Nearly all participants (99%) report that these programs help them maintain or improve their health and well-being.
Preventing Isolation
Just as important is what CLC programs provide socially. For many people, especially those living alone, these programs are their primary way to leave the house, see others, and stay connected—both in person and online. Without these spaces, isolation increases. And isolation is not just emotional. It is closely tied to declining mental and physical health.
“I was lonely, but now I have new friends who can support me.” – Cayuga participant
“I’m 90 years old, and without senior programs to attend, I would be completely isolated and alone.” – Inner Sunset participant
“If it weren’t for the ETC, I would not leave the house as often.” – Transportation participant
“It’s been helpful, and it’s fun to get to know others through the weekly Zoom meetings.” – Tech participant
“This is the way we stay connected and support each other.” – Inner Sunset participant
Tech programs also contribute to that connection, with nearly all participants reporting they are better able to stay in touch with others and access services online.
Community and Belonging
Across all of our programs, building connection is at the heart of what we do. We promote social health, helping neighbors feel part of something larger. People are not just participating in activities or programs. They’re volunteering to help neighbors, contributing through work, supporting organizations, and showing up as part of a team. They are building relationships, contributing to their communities, and maintaining a sense of belonging. These are the connections that make our communities work.
“As they say, strangers change into neighbors, and neighbors into friends.” – Cayuga participant
“I enjoy seeing my co-workers… and my teammates once a week.” – ReServist
“Services provide an opportunity to connect with each other and feel like a part of the community.” – Inner Sunset participant
“I find the work both meaningful and rewarding.” – ReServist
“We built this city… Don’t forget about seniors.” – Inner Sunset participant
Access and affordability
For many neighbors, these programs are also their only accessible option. We rely on City contracts, foundation grants, and individual donations to ensure that our events and activities are free, local, and accessible. Without them, many people would go without basic needs like transportation, food, and opportunities to stay active and connected. Most participants in home-delivered grocery programs (91%) report feeling less worried about having enough food.
“Most of us seniors are on a fixed income. We would not be able to access classes like those offered.” – Miraloma participant
“Many of us live on fixed incomes. This income makes the difference.” – ReServe participant
“I am a senior. It’s great to have activities that don’t require driving and that are in my neighborhood.” – Miraloma participant
“It’s hard for me to see and drive at night… having the taxi voucher is extremely helpful.” – Transportation participant
“Vitally necessary. I couldn’t make it without them.” – Home Delivered Grocery participant
What happens when these programs go away
Our neighbors are clear about what the loss of these services would mean. When these supports disappear, people lose connection and stability, with immediate impacts on their health and housing. Cutting these preventative services is short-sighted—needs don’t go away, they escalate into more serious and far more costly crises.
“My housing depends on this job.” – ReServe participant
“Without these services I would become depressed and… lonely.” – Miraloma participant
“If I have other doctor appointments… I’m not able to go.” – Transportation participant
“I couldn’t make it without them.” – Home Delivered Grocery participant
“It’s these programs that get me out of the house, keep me from being alone, and keep me in shape.” – Cayuga participant
A system that keeps people stable
Taken together, these programs help people get through their daily lives, getting to medical appointments, picking up groceries, connecting with others, and staying active. These supports work together in practical ways. Exercise classes support mobility. Community spaces create connection. Access to local, affordable services makes participation possible. They are not luxuries. They are the foundation that allows people to remain connected, supported, and engaged in their communities. Our surveys reflect this, with the vast majority of participants (93%) saying these programs help them remain in their homes as they age.
“I was able to go to medical appointments, shop, and get to the bank.” – Transportation participant
“It helps me to live more independently.” – Transportation participant
“The classes provide activity, movement, social connections, friends, hope, and dignity.” – Cayuga participant
A moment of choice
San Francisco is currently proposing significant budget reductions across departments, including programs that serve older adults and people with disabilities.At the same time, the City’s financial outlook has been improving, and additional funding is expected to become available.
Participants are not talking about policy—they are talking about whether they can get to a doctor, afford food, or leave the house. But their experiences point to a larger question about priorities.
Older adults and people with disabilities make up more than a quarter of the city’s population. Many live on fixed incomes and rely on targeted programs that are not replaced by broader services.
When these programs are reduced, there are no equivalent alternatives.
What is at stake
These programs allow people to stay physically healthy, remain socially connected, and continue thriving in their communities, with the social and other supports they need.
“I want to be safe, and I want friends.” – Inner Sunset participant
“This program is excellent. I don’t worry about getting to our chemotherapy sessions.” – Transportation participant
“My experience has been valuable beyond measure.” – ReServist
Cutting these senior- and disability-focused programs doesn’t remove the underlying needs. It removes the community-based supports that help our neighbors meet those needs every day. The question is whether we can convince the City to continue supporting the programs that help their neighbors contribute to the diverse fabric that makes San Francisco so special.