>> AHA/SF In Action

At the AIDS Housing Alliance/San Francisco, 2004 has been an amazing success! Opening its doors January 29, and building momentum throughout the year, AHA/SF has helped more than 300 members this year and passed legislation which protects the housing rights of countless others.

During 2004, AHA/SF built a reputation for being outspoken representatives of both the AIDS and housing rights communities. It took a stance as strong advocates for its members, helping many hard-to-place, disabled PWAs find housing when few other City agencies were willing or able.

In the fall, the fledgling Housing Alliance readied for its greatest fight. Supported by Sup. Chris Daly, AHA/SF unveiled its “No Fast Pass to Eviction” legislation. By placing penalties on buildings evicting elderly and disabled individuals, “No Fast Pass” proposed to greatly reduce previous incentives in the condo conversion process to do so.

City hall, landlords and the press took notice. Headlines in the Chronicle, Examiner, Bay Guardian, Independent and more screamed about the “No Fast Pass” proposed condo conversion changes. The AHA/SF media event on the steps of City Hall was covered by a half-dozen television stations and in three languages!

“It really reflects the type of year we have had,” says AHA/SF Director Brian Basinger. “This year has been more amazing than we could have ever imagined. With this type to build on, 2005 should be even better.”

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors voted on “No Fast Pass” at the same time as “Get Married, Get Evicted,” another piece of tenants’ rights legislation backed by AHA/SF. Both pieces passed, “No Fast Pass” unanimously.