C.L.A.E.R.'s response to budget cuts in San Francisco

Media Advisory
March 5, 2009


Press Contacts
Sharen Hewitt, Executive Director, C.L.A.E.R. Project; cell 415-724-4797
Elisha Rochelle, Team Leader Coordinator, C.L.A.E.R. Project; cell 415-704-5634
Laurel Moeslein, Public Policy Associate, C.L.A.E.R. Project; 707-696-7951


The C.L.A.E.R. Project would like to thank the Mayor’s Office of Community Investment for including our program in the preliminary recommendations for the Community Development Block Grant, and for their continued support of the work we do in Visitacion Valley.

However, it must be noted that during times of economic struggle, disadvantaged neighborhoods like Visitacion Valley should see an INCREASE in funding and services, not a DECREASE.

When the economy suffers, underserved communities like Sunnydale are hit the hardest. Jobs are lost, crime increases, and already suffering schools lose even more of their precious funding. 2009 has already seen 11 homicides in the city of San Francisco. A majority of those homicides have occurred in Visitacion Valley.

C.L.A.E.R. is one of the most economically efficient non-profits in the city of San Francisco. We serve over 700 people, and spend a mere .68 cents per individual. With just this .68 cents we provide after school programs, career and housing counseling, educational programs for children and adults, and a Latino clinic that focuses on breaking down cultural barriers.

As we talk about the San Francisco stimulus package, the Community Development Block Grant recommendations, and the city budget, let’s not forget the families living in Visitacion Valley. Please remember that we are here, and our families are suffering.