Written by Lulu Lin
Translated by H.B. Qin
Edited by Ida Eva Zielinska
On June 11, 2025, a fire caused by a short circuit broke out in a six-story apartment building at 155 Hyde Street in San Francisco’s Tenderloin district. Although the San Francisco Fire Department quickly brought it under control and limited damage to a few units on the first floor, the entire building was left without power, hot water, or elevator service. As a result, basic living conditions for at least 44 households, more than 100 residents, were severely affected.
In response, Tzu Chi USA Northwest Region’s San Francisco Branch conducted seven disaster relief distributions at its office between June 25 and July 13. A total of 30 households, comprising 106 individuals, received assistance.
San Francisco’s Tenderloin District: A Neighborhood in Need
The Tenderloin district is one of the most marginalized areas in San Francisco, marked by poverty, homelessness, and limited housing options in aging buildings and budget hotels. The streets often reflect these challenges, yet the district remains a refuge for many of the city’s most vulnerable residents. Because the buildings are closely packed, fire safety has long been a concern: A single blaze can quickly spread and endanger everyone inside.
The Tzu Chi San Francisco Branch often receives notifications from the American Red Cross and provides cash cards and essential supplies to fire survivors in this district. The Hyde Street fire was no exception
Challenges Persist Following the Blaze
After the apartment building fire, the American Red Cross set up a temporary shelter at Grace Cathedral for two nights, but most impacted residents chose to stay in their original units. Without electricity or elevators, they could only dine out and return home in the dark, making life extremely difficult. The Red Cross therefore asked Tzu Chi to provide follow-up care and assistance.
The Tzu Chi San Francisco Branch created a registry of 30 households, comprising 106 people, many of whom are economically disadvantaged, while others are elderly or children. The team prepared for disaster relief distributions at the branch office. However, because many residents had mobility limitations or work commitments, they could not all come at the same time. To accommodate their needs, volunteers arranged seven distribution sessions, providing cash cards and daily necessities to ensure no one was overlooked.
Moreover, many residents might have faced language barriers at the distributions, as most spoke Spanish and others spoke Vietnamese, Cantonese, or Mandarin. Fortunately, Tzu Chi volunteers on the relief team could communicate in these languages.
Their First Experience in Disaster Relief Moves Volunteers and Care Recipients Alike
This mission mobilized many volunteers who were participating in disaster relief for the first time. Veteran Tzu Chi volunteers Allen Chang, Stephanie Nguyen, and Nancy Fong provided on-site guidance, helping new volunteers feel confident and prepared.
Tzu Chi volunteer Linda Choi initially worried that her limited English might make communication difficult. Remembering Master Cheng Yen’s teaching, “Focus on your heart, not on your worries or frustrations,” she soon introduced Tzu Chi with confidence, and engaged with care recipients about their lives. At the second distribution, her warmth touched a Hispanic resident who had lost his home in the fire and suffered swelling in his hand from an accidental fall, leaving him unable to work. Choi’s motherly care moved him deeply.
Tzu Chi volunteer Juitzu Huang, also serving on her first disaster relief team, transitioned from logistics support to the front lines, where she learned how to distribute supplies and complete case forms for care recipients. “I will try harder next time!” she said, eager to improve in her new role.
Another first-time volunteer, Shuying Chen, fluent in Vietnamese, Mandarin, English, and Cantonese, was overjoyed to join the mission. By introducing Tzu Chi in different languages, she helped fire-affected residents feel welcomed and respected.
Volunteers Fengying Xian and Sophia Wu worked together as a team, communicating in both Mandarin and Cantonese. When serving a Vietnamese Chinese care recipient, Wu shared the story of Tzu Chi’s origins in Mandarin, and Xian interpreted into Cantonese. The woman confided, “I have no money to buy vegetables,” yet still declined assistance, leaving a strong impression on the volunteers. “I cannot take this money; I cannot accept anything from the temple,” she said, recognizing Tzu Chi’s Buddhist roots and the altar at the San Francisco Branch office.
Wu is the first graduate of the Spanish Department at Wenzao Ursuline University of Languages in Taiwan and was honored with the Outstanding Alumni Award this year. She brought her 50 years of Spanish-language expertise to the distribution process, where it was truly appreciated. One Spanish-speaking care recipient walked nearly two hours to the office just to receive Tzu Chi’s aid, repeatedly saying on the phone, “I’m almost there, please wait for me.” It was quite heartbreaking.
Solidarity and Gratitude
In addition to the gratitude expressed by residents affected by the Hyde Street apartment fire in San Francisco’s Tenderloin district, partner organizations also conveyed their appreciation for Tzu Chi’s support. The American Red Cross Bay Area Chapter sent the following thank-you card:
Dear Lulu Lin,
I want to take this opportunity to thank you for all your help with those affected by the 155 Hyde Street fire. Tzu Chi is always so ready and so generous in partnership. All of us at the Red Cross are deeply grateful to have you as our partner in disaster response.
Sincerely,
Such words of solidarity encouraged the team and strengthened their resolve to continue serving the community.
Compassion Shone Bright in San Francisco
We are grateful to every volunteer from Tzu Chi USA Northwest Region’s San Francisco Branch who responded to the call for help and extended a hand of support. With love and action, they overcame language and cultural barriers, accompanying disaster survivors through difficult times.
This was more than relief work: It was a journey of learning and growth that kindled hope amid hardship. Join us on the path of helping those in need, through a donation to show your love and care.
