In this street interview series taken during the “No Kings” protest in March, people across the city spoke candidly about what matters most where they live, and what they want local leaders to pay attention to.
Category: Homelessness
Posted inCity Hall, Community, Government & Politics, Homelessness, Housing, Politics
Supervisors and Public Encourage City to Fund Long-Term Housing
More than 70 people crowded into the Board of Supervisors’ chamber at San Francisco City Hall on Wednesday afternoon, with many asking the city to spend more money on long-term housing for low-income residents.
Posted inCity Hall, Government & Politics, Homelessness, Housing, Social Services
San Francisco Cut Longstanding Legal Aid, Then Gave One Nonprofit Millions Without Bids
As San Francisco moves to slash longstanding funding for legal aid that helps low-income residents avoid homelessness, the city granted up to $5.68 million for homelessness-prevention legal services to a single nonprofit without opening the opportunity to other providers. The award, which was approved by the department and the Homelessness Oversight Commission in February, will dispense […]
Posted inAging, Community, Government & Politics, Health, Homelessness, Housing
Veterans Stay Healthy Longer in Housing With Extra Supports. But the Money Could Dry Up.
As California’s population grows older, more people need help aging in place. This is especially true of veterans, a demographic with higher-than-average rates of homelessness. Over two years ago, Swords to Plowshares launched a pilot program offering enhanced services and staffing in subsidized housing to help veterans stay healthy and housed. Early results are promising, but future funding remains uncertain as the Trump admin moves away from long-term housing solutions.
Posted inGovernment & Politics, Homelessness, Housing
HUD Scrambles Homelessness Funding Twice in One Month, Throwing Local Service Providers Into Uncertainty
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has abruptly rescinded a plan to overhaul how it funds local programs serving the homeless, leaving cities unsure how or when billions of federal homelessness dollars will be disbursed.
Posted inHomelessness, Social Services
As Trump Disrupts Homelessness Funding, Providers Hope City Can Prop Up Housing Programs
Nonprofit service providers and San Francisco officials are seeking funding approaches to blunt federal shifts that they worry could force many formerly homeless residents of subsidized supportive housing back onto the streets.
Posted inGovernment & Politics, Health, Homelessness, Politics
Trump Homelessness Order Threatens to Overrun SF Hospitals, Jails
A presidential executive order issued in July focused on homelessness could put increased pressure on San Francisco’s hospitals and jails, which are already over capacity.
Posted in“Civic” Podcast, Aging, Community, Homelessness
Why Are So Many Older Adults Unhoused, and What Can You Do About It?
Homelessness among older adults is on the rise in California. On Sept. 30, the Public Press moderated a discussion that examined examined why homelessness is increasing among older adults, and how San Franciscans be a part of the solution. The conversation touched on the criminalization of homelessness, the human costs of capitalism and strategies to combat this crisis.
Posted inGovernment & Politics, Health, Homelessness
SF Has a Chance to Reinvent Its Mental Health Care System
Over the next year, San Francisco must examine and potentially redesign its system of behavioral health care, with input from the public. Some experts see this as an opportunity to improve services.
Posted inGovernment & Politics, Health, Homelessness
Homelessness Challenges Persist in SF Despite City Following Newsom Policy Lead
Gov. Newsom says repeatedly that the state is “flooding the zone” with mental health, substance use and homelessness resources. Amid a slew of press conferences and announcements last week on the release of new mental health funding and a push to make homeless encampments illegal statewide, Newsom repeatedly called on local governments to take charge. San Francisco is engaging in many of the initiatives Newsom cited, but still faces considerable challenges in addressing homelessness, behavioral health issues and substance abuse.