A Thanksgiving Story: The Power of Housing and the Communities We Build There

When Jose moved into The Apollo, one of Mission Housing’s Single Room Occupancy (SRO) communities, he found something he had gone without for much of his adult life: stability. After years marked by transition and uncertainty, having an affordable place to call home gave him the grounding he needed to rebuild his routines, reconnect with others, and feel secure. 

Jose arrived in the United States as a teenager, and he stepped into a life filled with uncertainty. Reconnecting with family eventually guided him toward a path of service: he enlisted in the U.S. military and was deployed to Vietnam. It was there, amid the challenges of conflict, that Jose first discovered his instinct to care for others through cooking. Preparing meals for fellow service members wasn’t just a duty—it was a way to bring comfort, connection, and a sense of home during difficult times. 

Decades later, that same instinct lives on. 

 For Jose, stable housing opened the door to rediscovering something he has always loved: cooking for others. What began as simple meals he made for himself soon became a lifeline for his neighbors. Residents who lacked consistent access to food—or simply appreciated his talent—asked him to prepare meals for them. He never hesitated. Week after week, Jose cooked for anyone who needed a warm, nourishing plate. 

Soon, a tradition took root. After food pantry days, residents would bring ingredients to Jose, trusting him to transform whatever they received into something delicious. For more than 15 years, he has quietly strengthened The Apollo’s community through every shared dish. His generosity reflects the heart of SRO living: neighbors looking out for one another, supported by the structure and stability that affordable housing makes possible.

Recently, Mission Housing completed renovations to The Apollo, including upgrades to the communal dining area where residents regularly gather. These improvements are part of the San Francisco Revival Initiative—a citywide movement to strengthen neighborhoods through revitalization, education, and connection. For residents like Jose, the renovated dining space is more than fresh paint and new furniture. It’s a renewed hub of community life, designed to encourage interaction, reduce isolation, and support well-being. 

The space now feels warm, welcoming, and intentionally crafted for residents to share meals, conversations, and moments of belonging. This environment allows Jose to continue doing what he loves—cooking for his neighbors—and offers others a true commons where they feel valued and connected. 

This is the impact of supportive SRO housing: safe, dignified homes paired with services that help residents stay housed, engaged, and connected. The renovations at The Apollo honor the resilience and generosity of residents like Jose and reinforce Mission Housing’s commitment to ensuring every person—regardless of income—has access not only to a stable home, but to a community where they can flourish. 

In a city where affordability grows increasingly out of reach, SROs remain essential. The Apollo is proof of what becomes possible when people have stable housing, supportive services, and spaces built for community: connection, dignity, and lives rebuilt with care. 

If you believe everyone in San Francisco deserves secure, affordable, and sustainable housing, we invite you to become a member of the Cultivation Network.  

Members invest in Mission Housing’s ecosystem of affordable homes, community-centered initiatives, and resident empowerment. You can help build a stronger San Francisco, one where communities flourish, and every resident has the foundation they need to thrive. Learn more here.