A new radio series examining how nonprofit organizations in San Francisco are managing challenges brought on by the coronavirus pandemic begins broadcasting today on KSFP 102.5 FM in San Francisco. “Voices of the Community” is produced by George Koster and will air Thursdays at 8:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Category: Social Services
Posted inCoronavirus, Health, Homelessness, Social Services
COVID-19 Opens New Frontiers in Addiction Medicine
When Mayor London Breed announced a strict shelter-in-place order on March 16 in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, health facilities scrambled to identify ways to safely see patients. For addiction medicine doctors, this presented a particularly difficult challenge: Patients engaged in medication-assisted treatment for opioid addiction must be seen frequently, often every few days. Regular […]
Posted inCity Hall, Coronavirus, Homelessness, Housing, Social Services
Service Providers Warn Budget Cuts Could Amplify Displacement Wave
San Francisco’s housing and homelessness service providers worry that City Hall’s budget decisions will leave them unprepared to face an expected wave of housing displacement. Interviews with staffers at a dozen nonprofits found that calls for assistance have increased by at least 30% and at some organizations by as much as 200% since March when […]
Posted inCoronavirus, Homelessness, Social Services
At Moscone Homeless Shelter, Hazardous Conditions, Inconsistent Coronavirus Testing
As Moscone Center began accepting new homeless residents from street encampments in recent weeks, residents and advocates expressed concerns about safety at the convention center and other group shelter settings. Three residents said COVID-19 testing prior to admittance at Moscone Center is inconsistent, residents don’t reliably wear masks and sanitation is lacking. Bathrooms were particularly problematic, […]
Posted inHousing, Social Services
Requests for Housing Aid Overwhelm S.F. Fund
Residents struggling to pay for housing due to the coronavirus pandemic have requested more assistance than what is available through City Hall.
Posted inCity Hall, Government & Politics, Health, Homelessness, Housing, June 2018 Special Election, Labor, LGBTQ+, Social Services
Spare Room? Mayoral Challenger Zhou Says You Could Help Homelessness Crisis
Ellen Lee Zhou has a plan to help end San Francisco’s homelessness crisis. And it could involve you. Zhou, a public-health worker, said that if elected mayor, she would pay homeowners monthly stipends to house and mentor some of the city’s estimated 4,300 unsheltered residents. Interested? Sixth in a series analyzing the mayoral candidates’ records and pledges on housing and homelessness.
Posted inHomelessness, Homelessness Solutions: Part 2, Housing, News, Social Services
City Rolls Out Tech Platform to Improve — and Ration — Shelter, Housing for the Homeless
San Francisco has begun rolling out a new technology platform that officials say will better help the homeless population by giving priority for shelter and housing to those with the greatest need. But the ONE System also functions as a form of rationing of scarce affordable housing.
Posted inEducation, Government & Politics, Homelessness, Homelessness Solutions: Part 2, Housing, Neighborhoods, News, Public Safety, Social Services
On the Move: One Hardworking Family’s Struggle to Escape Homelessness
City native Victoria Ortiz’s path to homelessness began in the East Bay more than two years ago when she was pregnant, working at a Staples and subletting a room. A housemate stopped forwarding the rent to the landlord, and everyone was evicted. This is the story of her determination to find stable housing for her family while living at a shelter in San Francisco.