A Publication of the Coalition on Homelessness
by Vinay Pai
This excerpt from “The Eviction Machine” was originally published by our allies in Street Spirit. It tells the story of the life of the man known as 300, a life-long Berkeley resident who died in 2019 after being evicted from his home.
I met 300 sleeping on a bench outside Au Coquelet Café on University Avenue one late night in the summer of 2013.
by Akir Jackson
To most people, I’m invisible. Just another nameless Black man blending into the urban background. People avoid making eye contact as they walk past me on the sidewalk. Pretend not to notice me shivering on the street corner. But if you look closely at the worn lines on my face, you’ll see the story of how I wound up here.
I’ve been homeless on and off for the past decade since losing my job as a machinist.
by Jack Bragen
We live in challenging times. Those who have power over others are waging a detestable war against the innocent, against those who merely want to make things better for themselves and their families, and those who make sacrifices to help others.
But those who have power over others cannot win—it is physically impossible. They could destroy all life and everything else, but they can not ultimately maintain a malicious dominance over the innocent.
by Anita Carlos
In the heart of San Francisco, where the glittering skyline meets the harsh reality of urban poverty, I find myself caught in a relentless struggle for survival. The city’s iconic landmarks mask the silent struggles of those living in its shadows. My journey through the underbelly of San Francisco began with the realization that beneath the surface of prosperity, a poignant narrative of poverty unfolded.
The city’s streets,
by Javier Bremond
Living in San Francisco, it’s fairly obvious that the ruling class has an unfair influence on our daily lives. But for an entire week last month, the City sent a message to its constituents: “We’re throwing a big party, and you’re not invited.” Apparently, the closest comparison in terms of scale and importance is the establishment of the United Nations, which took place here in 1945.
In honor of National Runaway and Homeless Youth Awareness and Prevention Month
Housing is a Human Right by Jace
Long Way Home by Tammy Nguyen
How Are We To Live (Haiku) by Isaac Lira
Flip It! by Anonymous
Blessings Come Down by Adonnia Gray
Covenant House by Ray Corona
by Sabrina Abong
My name is Sabrina Catherine Abong. I am 26, a homeowner, a single mom, and a Tesla worker. I want to create systemic change. I first entered foster care when I was 3 years old and re-entered care between the ages of 13 to 21. During my time in care, it was rough going to different homes and high schools. I’ve had the opportunity to have my biological parents come back,
by Dawn Starr
When you search for “Tenderloin” on Wikipedia, you get an article about high levels of crime, particularly street crime such as robbery and aggravated assault.
That is not only untrue, but an insult to my community, which includes doctors and nurses in our medical clinics, teachers and students in our schools, small business owners, police departments, fire departments, and many other important institutions. Beautiful churches with long-robed priests and nuns walking with large wooden crosses,
by Yolanda Catzalco
First, let it be clear: Because of the current economic system we live under, the choice of how to live should be ours, not the government’s.
Rents are skyrocketing, as documented by countless local and statewide surveys, such as one that found that over 50% of unhoused seniors in California were receiving an average of $960 a month and lost their housing. Once seniors are unhoused,
by Medusa/Bianca
Growing up in a small town in the Midwest, I had always been captivated by the city of San FranciscoI dreamed of one day living in a bustling metropolis. After graduating from college, I finally had my chance:. I landed a job in San Francisco and moved to the city, full of excitement and hope. My first few months in San Francisco were everything I had hoped for. I explored the city’s vibrant neighborhoods,
