SAN FRANCISCO – A new chapter in affordable housing for San Francisco families was marked on Thursday as Mayor Daniel Lurie officially opened the Dorris M. Vincent Apartments in the Hunters Point Shipyard.
This development introduces 73 new units dedicated to families, a significant step in addressing the city’s growing need for affordable living spaces.
Named in honor of Dorris M. Vincent, a revered community leader from Bayview Hunters Point, this project is a collaborative effort led by Mercy Housing California, along with the San Francisco Housing Development Corporation (SFHDC), the Office of Community Investment and Infrastructure (OCII), and several other partners.
During the ceremony, Mayor Lurie acknowledged the challenges many families face in San Francisco, stating, “Right now, too many parents in our city are asking whether they can afford to raise their kids here, and too many young people are wondering if they’ll be able to stay in the city they call home.”
He added, “The Dorris M. Vincent Apartments are delivering 73 new units of affordable housing for San Francisco’s families—helping us make San Francisco more affordable now and for generations to come.”
The new apartments feature a variety of family-oriented amenities, including a landscaped courtyard, a community room with spectacular bay views, and a range of larger units that accommodate two to five bedrooms.
Construction of the apartments commenced in May 2023, with residents beginning to move in earlier this year.
Notably, this building represents one of the first all-electric residential projects in the area, complete with upgraded air filtration systems, addressing health concerns in a community historically impacted by environmental challenges.
“Mercy Housing California has deep roots in Bayview Hunters Point, and the Dorris M. Vincent Apartments mark our third affordable housing community in this vibrant neighborhood,” said Tiffany Bohee, president of Mercy Housing California.
She emphasized the significance of this project, describing it as a culmination of years of partnership aimed at producing homes for working families crucial to the heartbeat of San Francisco.
“High-quality, affordable housing is essential to preserving culturally and historically rich communities like Hunters Point Shipyard. We’re proud to support its ongoing evolution,” she stated.
Thor Kaslofsky, executive director of OCII, echoed the sentiments of progress in the community.
“The Dorris M. Vincent Apartments represent the heart of what OCII and Mayor Lurie are striving to achieve—equitable development that honors the past while building a brighter future,” he said.
District 10 Supervisor Shamann Walton praised the new residences, noting their role in addressing critical community needs while honoring Dorris M. Vincent’s legacy.
“Dorris M. Vincent Apartments represent exactly what happens when community, advocates, and partners come together to deliver for families here in District 10,” Walton remarked.
He further added, “This development not only provides deeply affordable, family-sized homes in Bayview-Hunters Point but also honors the legacy of a leader who fought for equity and justice in our neighborhood. I am proud to celebrate this milestone with our community and will continue working to ensure that all residents of District 10 have access to safe, stable, and dignified housing.”
The facility also boasts 46 parking spaces for cars, 10 motorcycle spaces, and 73 secured bike spaces, enhancing accessibility for families living in the apartments.
SFHDC will offer resident services while Mercy Housing California will manage the property.
“SFHDC is honored to have co-developed this important project in what is essentially our backyard,” said David Sobel, CEO of SFHDC.
He highlighted the project’s success in outreach, noting it has provided housing opportunities for 20 certificate of preference holders, which may be a record in terms of supporting previously displaced households in securing permanently affordable housing.
Additionally, the building features a public art installation by local artist Josué Rojas, whose mural at the entrance symbolizes migration and resilience, celebrating Bayview Hunters Point’s rich cultural history and environment.
Bank of America played a crucial role in financing the project. Gioia McCarthy, the San Francisco East Bay president of Bank of America, expressed excitement about the development.
“Bank of America is thrilled to help finance this new community that is part of transforming the former Hunters Point Shipyard into vibrant affordable housing for working families,” McCarthy stated.
She emphasized that the collaboration among public and private sectors is pivotal in enhancing community benefits.
Finally, Mayor Lurie has reinforced the city’s commitment to increasing housing production, recently inaugurating a 135-unit affordable residence in the Outer Sunset, aimed especially at supporting educators and school staff, along with introducing his Family Zoning plan designed to aid working families and secure their future in San Francisco.
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