This project, the catalyst for change:

Every year in the US, millions of federal and state dollars allocated to low-income people and our communities are left on the table. Earned Income Tax Credits, Food Stamps and Enterprise Zone hiring tax credits are but a few examples. There are a myriad of reasons why the accessibility of these benefits is challenging, but what remains clear is that improving the takeup of these resources would release real dollars flowing into the pockets of low-income famillies, businesses and communities.

To address this complex problem, we need to engage and compel stakeholders from Community Leaders to policy makers at a local and state-wide level, from District Supervisors and other local officials, to Community-Based Organizations, and the Philanthropic Community. The ability to demonstrate graphically and in real time the dollar amount, type of benefit, and the neighboorhoods most affected will allow a transparency and richness of information which we have not yet been able to create.

As the project continues, we also see scope to add to the map other elements of public concern which characterize low-income neighboorhoods, i.e. costly check-cashing sites and pay-day loans, and other examples of money seeping out for expensive services.

Who we are:

SF Works is a catalyst for workforce success. We develop big-picture, innovative and practical solutions that benefit workers and their employers, delivered through our business and community network. Our programs respond to both employees aspirations for self-sufficiency and advancement and employers' demands for return on investment. Our goal is to create a vibrant, motivated and self-sufficient workforce in San Francisco.