Housing Justice is Racial Justice
CCHO Stands with Minnesota and Immigrant Neighbors Nationwide
At the Council of Community Housing Organizations (CCHO), we know that housing is a human right. But a home is not truly "affordable" or "stable" if the people living inside it are terrorized by the threat of state-sanctioned violence.
Today, we reaffirm that every San Franciscan—regardless of status—has the right to safety. This means safety in their homes, in their workplaces, in their houses of worship, and on their streets while exercising their fundamental right to protest.
We are outraged by the escalation of federal force targeting our communities. We have watched with horror as community members observing police activity or peacefully protesting are met with brutality. The state-sanctioned killings of Alex Pretti and Renee Nicole Good in Minnesota are not isolated incidents; they are the result of a system designed to intimidate.
The violence is already here. In 2025 alone, 32 people died in ICE custody. We have already seen at least nine deaths related to immigration enforcement this year, including the shooting of Keith Porter right here in California. These are not statistics; they are neighbors, tenants, and workers whose lives were stolen.
CCHO refuses to remain silent. We believe that building community power is the only defense against tyranny. Speaking up and shutting it down are the hallmarks of a healthy democracy, and we must defend these rights with everything we have.
We call on our member organizations and all San Franciscans to act:
Honor the General Strike: CCHO stands in solidarity with the brave organizers in Minnesota. We encourage our partners to participate in the General Strike this Friday, January 30 in whatever capacity they can—whether by withholding labor, boycotting commerce, or turning out to local actions to demand the withdrawal of federal agents.
Defend the Bay Area: With Super Bowl LX arriving at Levi’s Stadium in less than two weeks, we face a heightened threat of militarized federal presence in our region. The world will be watching the Bay Area; let us show them that we do not welcome ICE, we do not welcome intimidation, and we will protect our own.
Protect Your Neighbors: We urge all residents to familiarize themselves with their rights and San Francisco’s Sanctuary policies. We must be the eyes and ears that protect the most vulnerable among us.
Housing justice cannot exist without racial justice. We cannot claim to build 'secure' communities while our residents are being torn from their families.
