The following letter was written by HomeRise’s CEO, Janéa Jackson, as a reflection on her two year anniversary leading the organization.
At HomeRise, we believe a stable home is the foundation for lasting change. For 35 years, we’ve provided Permanent Supportive Housing with on-site services to help end homelessness in San Francisco. Today, we serve 1500 residents at 18 properties through housing, development, management, and wraparound care. Additionally, HomeRise maintained a 98% housing retention rate, and saw a 300% increase in participation in voluntary programs.
As I mark two years as CEO, I’m proud of our progress amid major challenges. When I stepped in during 2023, the pandemic had exposed deep flaws in the PSH system and shaken public trust. But I also saw resilience—and the opportunity to lead with focus, restore stability, and renew belief in our mission.
What We’ve Accomplished
Our turnaround strategy has been grounded in three guiding principles: people, process, and procedures. These have shaped every move we’ve made over the last two years.
- People First: We’ve filled over 100 critical roles, restructured core teams, and cultivated a culture rooted in purpose and accountability. Our frontline staff—including property managers, resident service coordinators, and maintenance workers—have remained steadfast, even as we’ve navigated change together.
- Smarter Processes: We improved vacancy tracking, accelerated unit turnover, and introduced tighter operational workflows. As a result, our vacancy rate dropped from over 18% to 6.7%—well below national averages for supportive housing, which often exceed 10%. In several high-need buildings, unit turnaround times were cut by more than half.
- Stronger Procedures: We enhanced internal controls, addressed longstanding compliance concerns, and strengthened documentation across the organization. We’ve also taken a firmer stance on aligning services with real-world needs, including escalating and addressing urgent behavioral health concerns quickly and appropriately to protect both the residents and the broader community.
Ultimately, we’ve expanded mental health, case management, and family services, responding to rising post-pandemic needs with trauma-informed, culturally responsive care and clear safety protocols that promote trust, compassion, and accountability.
What Comes Next
The work isn’t done. In fact, in today’s climate, it’s getting harder. Misconceptions about PSH are being used to undermine funding and public confidence. But data—and lived experience—prove otherwise: PSH works. It saves lives, restores dignity, and offers a real path forward.
That’s why we’re doubling down in three key areas:
- Stronger Integration with Health & Behavioral Services: We’re expanding partnerships with healthcare and mental health providers to deliver more comprehensive, wraparound support for residents.
- Reimagining Our Business Model: We’re undertaking a comprehensive feasibility study to evaluate our housing portfolio, identify opportunities for cost savings, and explore strategic partnerships—including the potential for HomeRise to serve as a third-party property management provider in the greater Bay Area. Our aim: to build a more resilient, forward-looking HomeRise.
- Telling Our Story: We’re working to reclaim the narrative around supportive housing. Through transparency, storytelling, and advocacy, we’ll show why PSH is not only effective—it’s essential.
Gratitude
This progress wouldn’t be possible without the unwavering support of our staff, residents, partners, funding partners, and Board. Your trust and commitment have fueled this turnaround—and your belief in our mission continues to inspire us.
Join Us
The last two years were about stabilization. The next two are about transformation. At HomeRise, we don’t just provide housing—we walk alongside our residents, staff, and city to build something better.
If you believe in the power of permanent supportive housing, we invite you to stand with us. Every dollar helps change lives.
Join us with your donation today!
Thank you for being part of the journey.
— Janéa Jackson, CEO