Nonprofits in SF sound alarm over rent increases

http://www.sfexaminer.com/sanfrancisco/nonprofits-in-san-francisco-sound-alarm-over-rent-increases/Content?oid=2567178

Nonprofits that serve the neediest residents are calling for help as the rapidly rising rents of San Francisco's booming economy, fueled by a thriving tech industry, are threatening these services.

From apartment rentals to downtown office space, real estate costs have soared over the past three years. As nonprofits' leases come up for renewal, they are concerned about having their rents jacked up or leases not renewed as building owners look to cash in.

Jeff Bialik, the executive director of Catholic Charities CYO, offered one example of the financial realities facing nonprofits. The organization's South of Market building at 180 Howard St., which is used for administrative offices and services for immigrants and the homeless, is facing a 50 percent rent increase — from $24 per square foot to $36. That would add an additional $150,000 to $200,000 a year in rent.