Celebrating 20 Years of Community: TODCO’s Coleman House Anniversary

Posted: 10/16/2025

A Two-Decade Milestone of Affordable Living, Friendship, and Empowerment in the Heart of SoMa

This October, the TODCO Group proudly celebrated the 20th Anniversary of Coleman House (named after Eugene Coleman – one of TODCO’s original founders), one of our senior residences in San Francisco’s South of Market (SoMa) neighborhood. What began as an affordable housing development dedicated to supporting the city’s senior residents has blossomed into a thriving community of friendship, culture, and care.

Coleman House has stood for two decades as a living example of TODCO’s mission: creating stable, affordable homes where San Franciscans of all backgrounds can age with dignity and thrive together.

Honoring Two Decades of Community Spirit

The celebration took place on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, in the Coleman House courtyard and community room, which were transformed with bright balloons, fresh flowers, and gold “20” anniversary décor (as seen in the event photos). Residents, staff, and friends filled the space with laughter, music, and heartfelt reflections.

Longtime residents shared memories of the early years—of moving into brand-new apartments that provided both security and connection. For many, Coleman House has been more than a building; it’s been a home filled with joy, shared meals, cultural celebrations, and lasting friendships.

A Celebration Filled with Music, Laughter, and Legacy

The day’s program featured a range of community performances that highlighted the residents’ talent and unity. From a spirited chorus singing traditional songs to live instrumental music on accordion and violin, the event showcased the vibrant life that pulses through Coleman House every day.

A special moment came when TODCO staff and resident leaders took the stage to express gratitude—for the residents’ resilience, the dedication of on-site teams, and the support of the broader TODCO community that makes this work possible. The crowd joined in singing, cheering, and sharing stories, embodying the warmth that defines TODCO housing communities.

Colorful paper lanterns, flower arrangements, and photo displays—many crafted by residents—decorated the walls, creating a joyful atmosphere that captured both the nostalgia of the past and hope for the future.

The Heart of SoMa: Coleman House and TODCO’s Mission

The Coleman House was developed by TODCO (Tenants and Owners Development Corporation) in the early 2000s as part of a broader effort to ensure that the South of Market (SoMa) neighborhood remained a place where working-class residents and seniors could continue to call home amid the city’s rapid changes.

Today, the building is home to dozens of seniors who contribute to the cultural and social fabric of the neighborhood. TODCO’s on-site programs, including health resources, community arts, and social events, have helped foster an environment where residents stay active, connected, and cared for.

As with all TODCO residences, Coleman House reflects the organization’s deep belief that affordable housing is about people first—not just providing shelter but cultivating meaningful community life.

Building Futures Together

For 20 years, Coleman House has stood as a beacon of TODCO’s values: equity, inclusion, and long-term community stewardship. The anniversary celebration was not just a look back—it was a commitment to the future.

As TODCO continues to expand its mission through neighborhood building, cultural programs, and resident-led initiatives, the lessons of Coleman House remind us that the strongest communities are built on relationships, respect, and shared purpose.

About TODCO Group

TODCO Group (Tenants and Owners Development Corporation) is a nonprofit community-based housing organization and developer located in San Francisco’s South of Market neighborhood. Founded in the 1970s, TODCO is dedicated to preserving affordable housing, fostering neighborhood vitality, and supporting residents through health, cultural, and social initiatives. Its portfolio includes housing communities like Coleman House, Mendelsohn House, and Woolf House, among others.

TODCO’s mission extends beyond housing—it’s about building community from the ground up. Through its cultural programs, advocacy, and resident engagement, TODCO continues to be a voice for equity and inclusion in San Francisco’s changing landscape.

A Legacy Worth Celebrating

The Coleman House 20th Anniversary reminds us that affordable housing success stories are people stories—about neighbors becoming family, about creating joy in shared spaces, and about the power of community resilience.

As TODCO marks this milestone, we celebrate not only the residents who have made Coleman House what it is today but also the collective spirit that will carry TODCO’s mission forward for generations to come.