History

In a city famous for its affluence, progressiveness and diversity, the neighborhood of Bayview Hunters Point (BVHP) is an anomaly. Historically an African American community, Bayview Hunters Point is located in the southeast sector of San Francisco.

During World War II, the U.S. Navy recruited a large population of African Americans to migrate to BVHP and work in the well-paying jobs at the Hunters Point naval shipyard. The area became one of the only San Francisco neighborhoods with a majority of African Americans. Soon residents developed a thriving community, purchasing homes and creating a commercial area along Third Street.

Poverty

Over the years, poverty and crime have plagued the community. In the 1980s, BVHP was devastated by the proliferation of crack and semi-automatic weapons. Today, the socio-economic and health indicators of BVHP residents are among the most depressed in the nation.  According to the SMART Data System, the mean Community Disadvantage Index for the total census tracts in BVHP is 9, with half of the census tracts (5) scoring a 10.

Toxic Waste

In 1974, the naval shipyard closed leaving many formerly working and middle-class BVHP residents unemployed. The shipyard that once served as an abundant source of employment and middle/working class income was designated as a Superfund site. In fact, there are two Superfund sites along with 325 other toxic sites within this densely populated community.

Demographics & Statistics

According to the 2000 U.S.  Census, Bayview Hunters Point’s population is approximately 50% African American (compared to 7.6% citywide) 27.6% Pacific Islander (mostly Samoan and Tongan), 16.7% Latina/Hispanic, 5.4% White, and .3% Native American.  It has one of the highest poverty rates in San Francisco, with 30% of families earning less that $10,000 per year, and a median household income of $29,640 annually, as compared to $65,000 for white San Franciscans and a $55,221 average citywide.  An overwhelming 72% of the African Americans in Bayview Hunters Point have incomes below the federal poverty level

Mission

The Hunters Point Family’s mission is to prepare youth to become independent, strong, and productive adults through comprehensive support services that empower them to develop their full potential.

Vision

The Hunters Point Family vision is to strengthen and empower the youth so that they may become wise, compassionate, and powerful leaders who will help transform Bayview Hunters Point into a thriving and healthy community.

Purpose

Strengthen and retain Black youth and families in BVHP, with emphasis on public housing residents
Build strong, committed, and principled community leaders
Promote economic self-sufficiency throughout the community
Promote mental & spiritual health
Strengthen families

Extended Family Model

Since 1997, HPF has used a distinctive family-based model to create social, educational, and recreational services that build supportive and interdependent relationships among the participants, their families and staff. All activities are informed by the culture of the neighborhood, thereby allowing youth to thrive in their own community.