About

History

Bertha Flemming founded the idea of the SF URBAN CHC non-profit 50 years ago. She helped minorities, who were otherwise discriminated against by mainstream banks, get loans. She aided people in starting businesses and purchasing their first homes.

Our non-profit continues her legacy with the express interest to provide opportunities to unrecognized communities who find barriers when attempting to borrow money for housing and other economic development activities.

Our Female founded and African-American operated organization’s main function is to bridge the gap between the dreams of home ownership and the socio-economically disadvantaged.

Board Members

Kelly Dearman: Co-founder

Kelly Dearman has been a lawyer and broker in San Francisco for over 10 years . Her rare blend of compassion, empathy and a sharp business acumen has made her a prominent woman in the city of San Francisco. She inherited her philosophy from the vision of her grandmother and founder of HSM, Bertha Flemming. Due to her entrepreneurial spirit and tenacity, she has dedicated herself to helping people of all communities, to fulfill their goal of homeownership in the often daunting maze of the San Francisco bay area housing market.

Tracy Dearman: Co-Founder

Tracy Dearman’s a licensed California Real Estate Broker and MBA has been the president of HSM since 1996, a company founded 55 years ago by her grandmother, Bertha Flemming. Observing the urgent need for a resource in the expanding African American community, Tracy continued her Grandmother’s vision of assisting deserving, hardworking families from all walks of life who wanted to continue to reside in the bay area, by making available the tools and direction to attain the title of homeowner by co-founding SF URBAN CHC in 2004. Utilizing her experience from the corporate world, her strong strategic planning and leadership abilities, Tracy brings a wealth of knowledge and compassion in continuing this legacy through her work with SF URBAN CHC.

“I have been blessed to have been born into a family that understands the importance and relevance of owning a home. In order to keep what I have I must give. In being a co-founder of SF Urban CHC with the specific purpose of providing education to individuals so they may purchase and remain in their home I am doing just that. Homeownership should be made available to anyone who wishes to have it. They can have it if they have the education and information to do so. SF Urban CHC fulfills that need.”

Jennifer Renk: President

Jennifer Renk’s legal practice focuses on land use and environmental law. Prior to attending law school, Jennifer worked as District Director for U.S. Representative Ellen Tauscher. In that capacity, Jennifer devised the Congresswoman’s district strategy, served as her primary point-of-contact in the community, and advised her on land use, transportation and other public policy issues facing her constituents in the 10th Congressional District. Jennifer also worked for U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer as a Staff Assistant, spearheading the Senator’s judicial nomination process and resolving constituent disputes with federal agencies. She is a member of the State Bar of California, the San Francisco Bar Association, the Urban Land Institute, and the San Francisco Planning and Urban Revitalization (SPUR).

“I am honored to be part of an organization that is committed to helping people realize their dream of homeownership. By preparing people to take this important step, Urban is making the privilege of homeownership a reality for those who might not otherwise believe they could do it. As a land use lawyer, I am proud to be able to give back to the community in such an important and meaningful way”.

Kathy O’Brien: Secretary

Kathy O’Brien’s new to the board of SF Urban CHC and serves as secretary. Kathy resides in the Western Addition and recognizes how home ownership stabilizes neighborhoods and contributes to community cohesion. She is impressed by the organization’s mission and pleased to have this opportunity to contribute support. A social worker, she developed and coordinates a nationally recognized and replicated case management program that addresses the needs of frequent utilizers of medical emergency services at San Francisco General Hospital.
She has had prior board experience with Volunteers to SFGH, Asian Pacific Psychological Services and the Northern California chapter of Society for Social Work Leadership in Health Care.

“SF Urban CHC has the unique focus of addressing the Western Addition community by offering opportunities to bring home those families displaced years ago by earlier redevelopment”.

Brian Williams: Treasurer

Brian Williams joined SF Urban CHC in the spring of 2005. Very active in the community as a Big Brother, NAACP volunteer and working with the mentally challenged, Brian wanted to focus his ability to serve those in need of attaining their dream of buying a house. He is a graduate of Miami University, Oxford, Ohio. Brian is currently the Human Resources Manager at WestEd.

“Understanding and offering people hope in order to fulfill their dreams is a way each and every one of us can give back to our communities. As an advocate of financial literacy, I am proud to be a board member of Urban. Together, we are able to offer hope in the way of homeownership to the people of San Francisco”.

Carole Watson: Board Member

Carole Watson’s currently the Chief Community Investment Officer with the United Way of the Bay Area that serves the seven Bay Area counties. Her current responsibilities include collaborative fund raising and fund distribution, volunteer management, community building and partnership development, marketing strategies, and donor cultivation. She currently manages a $7.5 million portfolio. She has been a member of UWBA’s senior management team for over eight years. In 2002, she was voted the UWBA Percy C. Moore Employee of the Year by her colleagues. In November 2006, she received the National Philanthropy Day Foundation Professional Award co-sponsored by the Northern California Grant Makers and Association of Fund Raising Executives. She holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Wayne State University and an undergraduate degree in Education and Social Work from Western Michigan University.

“SF URBAN CHC empowers individuals with tools and knowledge that enables San Francisco residents to become home owners and develop assets. The building of self-confidence and skills which enable future home owners to navigate the systems is a treasure. SF URBAN CHC creates a supportive relationship with residents that support them over a period of time. Connecting San Francisco residents to resources facilitates reaching long term goals. I join my colleagues on the Board in supporting the growth and development of SF URBAN CHC to contribute to community impact”.

Donna Duhe: Board Member

Donna Duhe began working for RR Donnelley in 1984, a Fortune 250 company, specializing in global commercial printing and publishing. Donna has held various management positions in marketing and sales where she managed domestic and global teams. She has served on various boards, including Board of Trustees, Santa Clara University, Board member and President, Holy Names High and currently a Board member on Westside Community Health Center in San Francisco.

“I know that people with a vision can make a difference, and I believe passionately that given the correct tools, anyone can make this a better world. I am proud to be part of SF Urban CHC. I strongly believe that education is the key to many doors—of which one is homeownership. We, at SF Urban CHC strive to provide individuals and families with the tools they need to qualify for homeownership. I know that people, who care and are committed, can make a difference in the lives of others. Connecting families qualified to live in affordable housing, with available units in SF, is the difference we are making”.

Iman Novin: Board Member

Iman Novin joined BRIDGE Urban Infill Land Development (“BUILD”) in August 2007. BUILD is a partnership between non-profit affordable housing developer BRIDGE Housing Corp. and the California Public Employee’s Retirement System (CalPERS), in order to leverage $200MM in CalPERS equity to carry out difficult and complex mixed-use, mixed-income development efforts in urban-infill communities throughout California. As a Project Analyst, he has worked on investment and new construction projects, helping conduct project due diligence and providing ongoing support for the redevelopment of the MacArthur Transit Village, a 624 unit proposed mixed-use, mixed-income and transit-oriented development in Oakland, CA. Prior to joining BUILD, Iman assisted the Real Estate and Planning Divisions of CCDC, downtown San Diego’s redevelopment arm, with numerous redevelopment and affordable housing projects, including the management of CCDC’s ArcGIS operations. He also has previous work experience with Keyser Marston Associates’ San Diego office. Iman is actively involved with the Urban Land Institute’s Young Leaders Group and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Structural Engineering and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Urban Studies and Planning from the University of California San Diego.

“Given my experience in affordable housing development I understand the vital role first-time home buyer education plays in spreading awareness and creating successful applicants for affordable homeownership. SF Urban is well known within the affordable housing development sector as a leader among home buyer counseling agencies, given their impeccable track record providing prospective home buyers with the tools they need to successfully transition into sustainable long term homeownership.”

Patricia Scott: Board Member

Patricia Scott’s the Executive Director of Booker T. Washington Community Service Center. She has served as Executive Director for several non-profits, including a public radio network. Much of her work involves raising capital for non-profit facilities and creating business plans. She is currently on several community and youth organization boards, including San Francisco Urban, the Black World Foundation, Youth Radio Capital Campaign and Redwood Day School. She has received awards from The Corporation for Public Broadcasting, Youth Radio and the Institute for Alternative Journalism.

“I am excited to work with San Francisco Urban because the work is critical to empowering low income people with the security of home ownership. The support Urban provides is creative, supportive and practical”.

Jeff Russell: Board Member

Jeff Russell is the cofounder of a real estate development firm that focuses on sustainable infill development. He previously practiced land use and environmental law in San Francisco and San Diego. Jeff holds a J.D. from the University of Southern California and received his undergraduate degree from Cornell University. He also serves on the board of San Francisco Baykeeper and is an active member of the U.S. Green Building Council.

“SF Urban fills a critical role in the Bay Area by connecting working families with the tools and resources they need to achieve home ownership. With rising foreclosure rates and tougher lending rules, Urban’s services are as vital to the health and stability of the community as ever. I am proud to support Urban’s mission to make home ownership a reality for all.”