The Sophie Maxwell Building demonstrated what is possible: 105 middle-income homes delivered on budget and approximately three months ahead of schedule, with demand exceeding availability by more than ten to one within two weeks of launch.

Teachers, nurses, first responders, public employees, and other essential workers are increasingly being priced out of the city they serve. Many earn too much to qualify for traditional affordable housing, but not enough to comfortably afford market-rate rents. These households are essential to San Francisco’s economy, institutions, and everyday life. Yet too many are forced to choose between unaffordable housing and long commutes from outside the city.

The Essential Housing Fund was created to build on the success of Sophie Maxwell and deliver more homes for the people who make San Francisco work.