On Thursday, Sept. 13 at SOMArts Cultural Center, hundreds of artworks will be auctioned to benefit the Coalition on Homelessness, a grassroots social-justice organization working at the levels of policy and outreach to address homelessness in San Francisco. More than 200 artists—including Emory Douglas, Eric Dyer, Jeffrey Cheung, and Micah Bazant—donated work for the 18th annual event, which also features performances by Oakland R&B outfit The Onyx and Tenderloin dance program Skywatchers. Tickets range $40-$250 and include dinner and drinks, though no one will be turned away for lack of funds.
The Coalition on Homelessness has a dozen paid part- and full-time staffers, about half of whom have experienced homelessness, and relies on individual donations for approximately 60 percent of its budget. Formed in 1987, the nonprofit publishes Street Sheet; homeless and low-income vendors receive free copies and sell the newspaper for a suggested donation of $2, keeping the proceeds. Staffers and volunteers support the homeless during sweeps, and promote pro-renter initiatives such as a right to counsel for tenants facing eviction. The current Street Sheet features art available at the auction.
