Stories of Home is an intensive workshop series to develop video stories of courageous hope and collective action for housing justice, centering Bay Area residents who have experienced housing insecurity.

The initiative is designed to empower and engage storytellers, strengthen video production skills within the housing justice movement, and build narrative power so that people can see and believe that we are building a future where everyone can afford to live and thrive in the Bay Area.


The participants—both organizational staff and storytellers with lived experience—receive training and coaching during a series of workshops to learn best practices and develop a concept for a short video. Then they work with local videographers who shoot, edit, and produce the videos in partnership with each organization, and the storytellers. These services are provided for free, and storytellers are compensated.

Program Details

Our second Stories of Home cohort ran from April through July 2025, featuring six organizations selected from more than 40 applicants. Their videos will be released soon—sign up for our email list to be the first to know when they’re live!

  • Bay Area Community Land Trust
  • City of Oakland
  • Code Tenderloin
  • The Kelsey
  • SV@Home
  • Youth United for Community Action (YUCA)

This initiative is part of the Begins with Home regional narrative campaign. Stories of Home is led by All Home, with Non-Profit Housing Association of Northern CA (NPH) supporting and advising. Final videos are co-owned by Begins with Home and the participating organization, and subject to the storyteller’s permission and intent.

Our first Stories of home cohort ran in 2024, featuring seven organizations, see their videos below.

Watch videos from the first cohort

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Three generations of one SF family saved their home from speculators and ensured they could afford to stay there permanently, with the help of the San Francisco Community Land Trust. Learn more and share.
An affordable home saved James’ life, and allows him to live out the rest of his days with dignity at Shores Landing, a supportive housing community built and operated by MidPen Housing. Learn more and share.
After coming to the United States as a refugee and being unhoused for 16 years, Solomon has blossomed thanks to the stability of supportive housing with Episcopal Community Services. Learn more and share.
Maria knows it’s possible to solve homelessness, because her own experience with St. Mary’s Center proves it. Learn more and share.
Farmworkers often live in substandard housing that is owned by their employers—a particularly vulnerable situation that has inspired Maria and others like her to speak out and advocate for more stable, affordable homes with Puente de la Costa Sur. Learn more and share.
Angie is finding purpose and stability as a team-member with SOS Richmond, providing support and services to her unhoused neighbors, some of whom she lived alongside not long ago. Learn more and share.
For longtime resident Jose Lemus, low-cost housing has been a lifeline, allowing him to stay rooted in a neighborhood full of culture and community.