Hasta la Raíz: Mission Housing Celebrates 55th Anniversary
On September 3, 2026, more than 350 guests joined Mission Housing at The Midway to celebrate its 55th anniversary under the theme "Hasta la Raíz." As Deputy Executive Director Marcia Contreras explained, "Hasta la Raíz means down to the root. Roots are at the very core of existence. They hold. They nourish. They make growth possible."
Guests arrived to photographers and a red carpet before the sounds of Bululú set the night's celebratory tone.
The program featured Executive Director Sam Moss and Contreras's joint keynote, special remarks from Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, commendations from State Senator Scott Wiener, Assemblymember Matt Haney, and San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu.
Mission Housing’s Director of Community Engagement Chirag Bhakta and Fund Development Manager Fátima Ramirez addressed the record-breaking crowd with remarks about Mission Housing’s two latest initiatives: the San Francisco Revival and the Cultivation Network.
"San Francisco still has something special: it's got us," Bhakta said. "The power to revive this city lies in its people, in you." Ramirez echoed the sentiment, telling the crowd, "You are the roots of our work."
Together, the night raised more than $600,000 for Mission Housing's ongoing work, bringing total fundraising to over $800,000 when combined with the 2025 San Francisco Revival campaign.
Fogo Na Roupa, the San Francisco Carnaval Grand Champions, brought the party with over a dozen dancers and drummers.
Guests enjoyed a "Taste of Latin America" menu of arepas and Cubano sandwiches, with dessert from our partners at La Cocina, featuring Mission Housing resident business Mama Lamees.
Orquesta Borinquen closed out the night, sending everyone to the dance floor for a night of salsa dancing.
"After fifty-five years, Mission Housing has evolved," Moss told the crowd. "Our roots don't just dig deep, they reach wide, interlocking with everything growing around them. And we're still growing."
Mission Housing extends heartfelt gratitude to the early financial supporters of the Cultivation Network.
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