Staying in the Bay Area has always been a dream, not for its aesthetics or lifestyle, but for the deep connection I feel to my roots here. This is the place that first gave to me, and I want to give back. My hope is to support my family, stay close to my loved ones, and stay immersed with my culture as a Vietnamese American. As a committed future nurse, I wish to serve the local hospitals that contain patients of my own people and community. In addition, this is where I feel God has called me to minister in servitude to bring light, hope, and love to a culture I know first hand of its highs and lows. However, I hate that the biggest thing holding me back is the lack of space and the plethora of costs.

But even then, this problem is a privilege. My community health studies in nursing school gave me clinical exposure to our countless unhoused neighbors in California. I saw their health risks, their increased disease, and yet also their resilience and warm humanity. I believe housing is a basic human need and that everyone deserves the chance to live in a safe, stable home. Expanding affordable housing will improve health, strengthen communities, reduce homelessness, and create greater equity for residents across the Bay Area.

The Bay Area is facing a serious affordable housing crisis that is forcing many working families, older adults, students, and low-income residents to leave their communities or experience homelessness. Housing costs continue to rise faster than wages, making it difficult for many people to secure safe, stable, and affordable homes. This petition calls for local and state leaders to expand funding for deeply affordable housing, increase the supply of permanent supportive housing, and adopt policies that protect renters from displacement.

Data from the California Department of Housing and Community Development suggest that the Bay Area needs over 400,000 new housing units by 2030 to meet its housing needs, with significant portions designated for low and middle-income residents. Yet, current zoning restrictions pose significant challenges to meeting this demand.

By fast-tracking zoning approvals for affordable housing projects, Bay Area city councils can take a meaningful step toward addressing the housing crisis. This will not only help families like mine to stay in the Bay Area, but also support critical workforce sectors such as healthcare and education, which are vital to the community's well-being.

City councils need to prioritize zoning changes that allow for higher density living and incentivize developers to build affordable housing. We call on local leaders to recognize the urgency of this issue and act swiftly to implement solutions that make a real difference.

Your signature sends a clear message to policymakers that the Bay Area needs immediate, lasting action to address this crisis. We urge community members, advocates, students, healthcare workers, and families to sign below and stand together for housing justice.

Please sign this petition to urge Bay Area city councils to expedite zoning processes and prioritize affordable housing initiatives. Together, we can create a more inclusive and sustainable future for our communities.