HISTORY
The Promotoras model for community outreach originated in Latin America in the 1950s to provide accurate health information. In the United States, it began in the mid-1960s to deliver health services to farmworker communities in Texas and long the West Coast. By the 1980s, the model had expanded to other regions of the country.
Although it started in the health field, Promotoras have since taken on broader roles to support access to affordable housing, education and other essential services. Promotoras are local residents who understand the needs and challenges of their communities and are known for their hands-on experience and dedication.
PASF Areas of Focus
Housing
Help and guidance for applying through San Francisco’s DAHLIA platform to find and secure affordable housing.
Nutrition and Health
Provides nutrition classes, guidance on healthy eating, general wellness support and referrals to health-related resources.
Access to Social Services
Assists households in locating an connecting with available local services, such as housing programs, food assistance, healthcare options and other essential support resources.
COOP
Since 2017, Promotoras Activas SF (PASF) have been helping San Francisco residents apply for the city’s housing lottery program through the web portal DAHLIA. They played an important role in during the COVID-19 pandemic by supporting contact tracing and case investigations through the USCF-SFDPH Comunidad Contra COVID-19 initiative. They also assisted with applications of economic relief, provided information on tenant right and helped connect families to food and health services.
In July 2021, the cooperative PASF was officially established with support from Project Equity and MEDA. Today, PASF includes 15 active Promotoras working in various areas. Their COVID-19 vaccination outreach contributed to a local vaccination rate of approximately 90% among residents, one of the highest in the country.
PASF works closely with other local organizations and city departments to connect individuals and families with essential services. Promotoras regularly visit schools, churches and family resource centers to share information on important local issues. They also take part in community events and conduct door-to-door outreach in neighborhoods such as the Mission, Excelsior, Bayview, Tenderloin and Visitation Valley.