Advocating for Women: From City Hall to Capitol Hill

At Community Forward SF, we understand that while direct service is vital, systemic change is what drives long-term impact. That’s why we’re expanding our advocacy—from City Hall to the Capitol—to ensure survivors of violence are heard and prioritized in housing policy.

This year, our team has been working closely with city leaders during budget season to ensure vital public resources reach the women we serve. Rebecca Jackson, our Vice President of Reentry & Public Affairs, co-chairs the San Francisco Women's Housing Coalition—a powerful partnership that helped secure 10% of Prop A housing funds for women and survivors of violence and trafficking.

“These wins are only possible when women’s voices are centered in policy conversations,” said Rebecca Jackson. “We’re working to make sure that systems designed to serve everyone actually serve the most vulnerable among us.”

Over the last few months, team members have made the trip to our State Capitol twice to meet with Assemblymember Matt Haney, Assemblymember Catherine Stefani, and Senator Weiner to advocate for greater investments in women-centered housing solutions and ensure survivor voices are represented in statewide homelessness policy discussions. 

At the national level, our Co-CEO Sammie Rayner serves on the board of the National Women’s Shelter Network (NWSN), advocating for shelter access and federal funding that supports women. In January, Sammie, Rebecca, and McKenna Mogan, our Director of Women’s Services, attended the NWSN National Conference in Washington, D.C.—a gathering that featured more than 45 presentations, breakout sessions, and a resource center designed to connect shelters and safe haven programs with critical tools and knowledge.

The conference also included a powerful Capitol Hill Day, where more than 100 participants met with lawmakers to highlight the urgent need for increased shelter funding and raise awareness about the growing crisis of homelessness among women and families.

NWSN, along with partner organizations, recently applauded Representatives Carlos Gimenez (R-FL) and Ritchie Torres (D-NY) for introducing H.R. 3319, the Women’s and Family Protection Act—a bipartisan bill to strengthen the infrastructure and services of women’s and family shelters nationwide.

As we refine our advocacy strategy, we’re also exploring new ways to elevate survivor stories throughout our organizational narrative—ensuring their lived experiences shape not only our programs, but also broader public understanding and policy decisions.

Together, we are building a future where all women can access safety, stability, and opportunity.