Hyunji Kim is fundraising
Help Protect KCI: Fund Urgent Security Measures
For 50 years, Korean Center, Inc. (KCI) has been a vital cultural and educational hub in San Francisco, providing a safe and welcoming space for community members of all backgrounds to learn, connect, and celebrate Korean heritage. As we mark our 50th anniversary in 2025, our commitment to serving the community remains unwavering—but so do the challenges we face in ensuring the safety and security of our space.
Over the past six months, KCI has experienced an alarming increase in security incidents, including break-ins, trespassing, theft, vandalism, and even arson. Our building—where students, youth, and families gather for language classes, cultural workshops, and community events—has been repeatedly targeted, putting our staff, volunteers, and visitors at risk.
Trespassing & Unauthorized Entry Report
- June 16, 2024: A repeat trespasser set up camp in our backyard. He was arrested by SFPD after violating multiple stay-away orders.
- July 3, 2024: An individual gained access through the front door when a student. unknowingly left it open. The suspect stayed overnight, causing hygiene concerns and security risks.
- August 20, 2024: An attempted break-in occurred. The suspect managed to breach the front gate but was deterred by the alarm system.
- January 6, 2025: A loiterer attempted entry three times overnight, requiring police intervention.
- January 8, 2025: A homeless individual camped in the backyard and was removed by police.
Burglary & Theft Report
- October 21, 2024: A burglar forced entry through the front door, stealing small items (food, framed certificates, emergency supplies) and damaging security infrastructure, including the alarm panel and Wi-Fi router.
- January 8, 2025: Evidence of break-in to the kitchen area; items stolen included a wind blower battery and food.
Vandalism & Arson Report
- January 23, 2025: An individual entered the premises and attempted to set fire to the stairs. Due to limited security footage retention, the perpetrator could not be identified immediately. Police are investigating with footage from neighboring businesses.
We have taken proactive steps to enhance security, including:
✅ Security screening with SFPD officers to assess vulnerabilities
✅ Reinforcing the front gate to prevent break-ins
✅ Upgrading alarm and camera systems for better monitoring
✅ Strengthening our partnership with law enforcement to ensure a faster response
Despite these efforts, security breaches continue, highlighting the urgent need for further action. That’s why we are launching this GoFundMe campaign to raise $10,000 to rebuild and reinforce the front gate—the most vulnerable point of entry—and implement additional security upgrades that will keep our community safe.
Your support will directly contribute to:
Rebuilding the front gate to prevent future break-ins ($8,500)
Rebuilding the side gate that is most vulnerable ($3,000)
Additional security gates ($4,500)
Upgrading security cameras for improved surveillance and storage ($500)
KCI is more than just a building—it is a home for the community, a space where people from all walks of life come together to learn, grow, and celebrate. We cannot allow safety concerns to disrupt our mission.
With your help, we can protect this cherished space for future generations. Any contribution—big or small—makes a difference. Together, we can stand strong, stay safe, and continue serving our community for another 50 years!
Thank you for supporting KCI and ensuring a safer future for all.
With love,
KCI Team
- A
1 supporter
guidestar.org/profile/51-0173831
charitynavigator.org/ein/510173831