Hundreds of passionate San Francisco residents packed City Hall on Monday, demanding the Board of Supervisors reverse nearly $4.2 million in nonprofit funding cuts proposed by Mayor Daniel Lurie. The dramatic rally, organized by the People’s Budget Coalition, highlighted the potential devastating impact on essential community services for immigrants, youth, and low-income residents.

Jose Juis Pavon from HOMEY, a longtime nonprofit supporting youth and families, passionately argued that “We live in one of the wealthiest cities in the world, and people are going hungry. That’s a disgrace”. Protesters dropped banners reading “Stop Cuts” and “Immigrants’ Rights” while chanting “Whose City? Our City!”

The proposed budget cuts would impact over 150 nonprofit organizations, with some facing potentially catastrophic funding reductions. Organizations like Bay Area Legal Aid, Legal Assistance to the Elderly, and the Asian Law Caucus - which provide critical free and low-cost legal services - could see significant funding eliminated.

Open Door Legal, which offers legal services to low-income residents, is so concerned about the cuts that its executive director Adrian Tirtanadi began a hunger strike to protest the funding reduction. The organization stands to lose $2.2 million in city funding.

Anya Worley-Ziegmann from the People’s Budget Coalition emphasized the broader implications, noting that while the mayor claims to protect certain legal services, the cuts would effectively leave vulnerable communities without comprehensive support. “We’re allowing immigrants to be legally safe in our city but providing them with no food, no jobs, and no access to safe working conditions,” she explained.

The proposed budget aims to address an $800 million deficit by cutting approximately 1,400 vacant positions and eliminating around 100 jobs. The mayor’s office estimates these changes could reduce the structural deficit by nearly $300 million.

Nonprofit leaders argue that even returning to pre-pandemic funding levels represents a cut when accounting for inflation. Organizations like Project Homeless Connect, which relies on 93% city funding, could see significant service reductions.

As public comments continued throughout the day, it became clear that the community is united in opposing these cuts - demanding a budget that truly reflects San Francisco’s values of inclusivity and support for its most vulnerable residents.