Meta invests $500K in San Francisco's small sites program to combat housing displacement

The San Francisco County government meeting on July 4, 2025, focused on innovative housing solutions to combat the ongoing affordable housing crisis. Key discussions centered around the success of the Small Sites Program, which aims to preserve affordable housing and prevent displacement in neighborhoods like the Mission District.

Meta, a long-standing community services agency, shared its experience in transforming its approach to housing by becoming a developer. Since 2014, Meta has invested significantly in the Small Sites Program, which allows non-profits to purchase and rehabilitate small apartment buildings. This initiative has resulted in the acquisition of 33 buildings, providing stability for long-term tenants and preventing evictions during the pandemic.

The meeting highlighted the importance of community involvement in housing solutions. Meta's representatives emphasized the need for a consistent project pipeline and innovative financial models to sustain the program. They noted that many buildings acquired had long-term tenants who could potentially contribute to cooperative ownership, fostering a sense of community and stability.

Fernando Marti from the Council of Community Housing Organizations underscored the historical context of cooperative housing in San Francisco, advocating for renewed focus on limited equity cooperatives as a viable solution for the city's diverse workforce. He pointed out that only a small percentage of unionized workers can afford market-rate housing, stressing the need for innovative funding and support systems to expand affordable housing options.

The meeting concluded with a call for collaboration among community developers, city officials, and residents to create effective housing solutions that address the needs of all San Franciscans. The discussions reflect a growing recognition of the need for flexible, community-driven approaches to housing in the face of a persistent crisis.