East Bay native, Corey Smith, joined the staff of the SF Housing Action Coalition as their newest Community Organizer the first of the year. He’s built his listening and presenting skills through basketball coaching and as a legal services provider. It becomes clear the moment you talk to Corey that his heart is really connecting to people in order to make sure San Francisco stays a diverse and interesting place to live.
What drew you to the SF Housing Action Coalition?
My interest in SF Housing Action Coalition (SFHAC) and San Francisco’s housing policy is pretty simple. Like many San Franciscans, I believe housing is an issue that impacts everything and everyone. I share the concerns of most citizens about the lack of housing development and I want to play an active role in helping shape the future of my city. San Francisco has always been a vibrant and diverse community, so supporting rational housing projects and policies is a great way to ensure it stays that way.
What do you most look forward to in your role as Community Organizer?
Hands down, the people! Personal connection and community have always been driving forces in my life. Whether coaching basketball or helping citizens legally protect themselves or their businesses, I’ve always felt a responsibility to help others. I’m excited to meet new people from all over the city and learn about their reasons they call San Francisco “home”. San Franciscans are what makes San Francisco so incredible.
What are some of your goals as SFHAC’s Community Organizer?
I hope to grow the community of San Francisco citizens that have an active role in the political process. Too often, citizen engagement means showing up at the ballot box but there are so many critical opportunities for residents to take action along the way. I’m often inspired by the words of Margaret Mead, “Never doubt that a small group of committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” I want to be an advocate and organizer for those people.
I will be looking for neighborhood champions that will advocate for building new homes that serve the entire San Francisco population. Building housing at all levels of affordability can help foster and protect the authenticity and uniqueness of San Francisco.
Look for Corey at your neighborhood group meeting, the halls of City Hall or District 5 where he calls home. Introduce yourself. He can be reached at Corey@sfhac.org.
