It was the first day of the kickoff of four new “learning communities” for network members organized by NeighborWorks America. The opening ice breaker asked each participant to share something that 1) he or she knows and 2) would like to learn.

San Francisco’s Chinatown faces a number of challenges, stemming back to its origins: Chinese immigrants to the city were often limited to living in the neighborhood due to discriminatory policies and practices, reinforced by a natural desire to seek out supportive environments. Over time, a strong sense of community developed. Today, however, residents face a constant threat of eviction and displacement due to San Francisco’s hot real estate market.