BHNC’s Community Engagement Department focuses on bringing together all of Bernal Heights residents. We do so by working with Bernal Heights stakeholders to bridge gaps and address community needs. For instance we work with the tenant councils at Alemany and Holly Courts housing sites, the Bernal Business Alliance, SFPD and block groups and encourage collaborative projects with all. Throughout the year we host community events that appeals to all members of a family unit – from children to older adults. We also have a Public Safety focus to our engagement work where we address safety needs that are identified by the community. To do this we host safety community meetings throughout the year with a variety of topics as identified in the community.

Our biggest events of the year are our Community Congress, Hillwide Garage Sale, Fiesta on the Hill and Open House.

Resident Outreach Leader (ROL) Program:  We work closely with aspiring leaders at our low-income housing sites and overall Bernal Heights neighborhood in this 12-week curriculum, which entails intensive training in outreach, community engagement, event organizing and production, and other direct support activities—and involves collaboration with internal and external partners.

Resilient Bernal: In partnership with the Neighborhood Empowerment Network, this program aims to leverage a community development approach to advance a neighborhood’s disaster resilience. We work collectively with Bernal Heights stakeholders to implement strategies and create a plan that protects all residents in the case of a disaster. The goal is to strengthen our community and make sure that Bernal Heights remains resilient during times of stress.