A new government-funded pilot program in San Francisco is providing free air filters to low-income tenants living in single-room occupancy hotels (SROs).
The initiative aims to improve air quality and reduce respiratory issues for residents, many of whom suffer from asthma and other lung conditions. Early results suggest the program is already making a difference.
The pilot program, funded by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, distributed air filters to 50 tenants in July and August. Most of these tenants live in aging, poorly maintained buildings without modern ventilation systems, which contributes to high rates of respiratory illness.
According to a 2017 report by the Department of Public Health, adults living in SROs have twice the citywide average rate of asthma hospitalizations and three times the rate of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Structural Causes of Poor Air Quality
Many SRO buildings lack proper heating, air conditioning, and ventilation systems. This leads to problems such as:
- Toxic black mold growth from excessive humidity
- Accumulation of airborne pollutants from cooking and smoking
- External pollutants entering through windows, especially in areas with high vehicle emissions
According to Sheyenne White, a community organizer with the Central City SRO Collaborative, tenants face a tough choice between keeping windows closed to avoid outdoor pollution or opening them to allow air circulation but letting in more pollutants.
Reducing Barriers for Low-Income Tenants
Initially, bureaucratic hurdles made it difficult for many tenants to receive air filters. Recipients were required to attend two interviews and provide doctor’s notes confirming their respiratory conditions, which was a challenge for many low-income individuals. “It was a major barrier to get the paperwork in order,” said Peter Rauch, a tenant organizer at the Central City SRO Collaborative.
In response, tenant organizers successfully pushed for the removal of some of these requirements, allowing more residents to benefit from the program. Now, participants only need to complete one survey, and proof of a medical condition is no longer required.
Positive Early Results
Initial feedback indicates that the air filters are having a noticeable effect. Many tenants reported improved air quality in their homes, reduced coughing, and better sleep. John Britt, a tenant at the Clementina Towers, noted that his asthma symptoms have improved since receiving a filter. “It’s hard to breathe,” Britt said, but the filter has provided relief.
The program’s success could lead to further funding and the distribution of more filters to tenants in need. However, long-term improvements to air quality in SROs may require policy changes and building retrofits to address the root causes of poor indoor air.
You can read more about this initiative from the San Francisco Public Press.