“WHAT WE DO IS NOT FOR THE PEOPLE, BUT WITH THE PEOPLE.”
Our Mission
Since 2009, The Bill Sorro Housing Program (BiSHoP) has fought to increase access and defend housing for diverse low income populations in San Francisco.
We envision a future where permanent, affordable housing is accessible to the vulnerable, supported by culturally sensitive services, and safeguarded through advocacy.
OUR IMPACT
BiSHoP has provided thousands of San Francisco residents with tenants' rights counseling, comprehensive support with affordable housing, and educational housing workshops.
We ensure that clients receive a holistic approach to housing needs, and that all individuals in need assistance are treated equally, with dignity & respect.
Here’s a look at our 2023 impact numbers.
Rooted in SF
Our organization was named in honor of Bill Sorro (1939-2007), a lifelong Filipino activist for human rights in San Francisco. As a fierce housing advocate, he fought for the International Hotel (I-Hotel), helping spark the housing movement in San Francisco.
His efforts continue to be inspirational for housing advocates and activists in San Francisco.
Learn more:
The Fall of the I-Hotel
A Serving of Love: The Passion of Bill Sorro
Our story
Inspired by Bill Sorro’s impact, BiSHoP was established in 2009 by community workers and volunteers to provide tenants’ rights workshops to the families of WWII Filipino Veterans in the South of Market area of San Francisco (SoMA).
Services soon expanded to application assistance, case management, tenants’ rights counseling, and community workshop events as families experiencing homelessness and tenants’ rights issues sought affordable housing support in San Francisco.
ADVOCACY
BiSHoP advocates through direct 1:1 tenant counseling and community proposals that align with our mission and vision, including:
- Standardizing housing pre-applications city-wide in four different languages, diversifying accessibility.
- Advocating for Below Market Rate Procedures amendments.
- Negotiating a 40% inclusionary housing requirement for SF Giants housing developments in Mission Rock
- Advocating for tenants’ rights legislations, including the Ellis Act, Just Cause 2.0, and Language Access Ordinance.
- Advocating in ballot campaigns: Anti-Speculation Tax (2014), Housing Balance (2014), Inclusionary Housing amendment measure (2016), Loans to Finance Acquisition & Rehabilitation (2016), No to Realtors Giveaways (2016), Community Opportunity to Purchase Act (2018), and Public Bank (2019).
- Endorsing Prop A - Affordable Housing Bond (2023)