New Measures Revolutionize Homelessness Management and Cleanliness in San Francisco

People walk under a bridge with homeless encampment.

San Francisco’s visible homelessness drops to decade-low levels, but overall numbers continue to rise.

At a Glance

Visible homeless population in San Francisco has significantly decreased, with fewer tents on streets
Number of people sleeping outdoors dropped to under 3,000 in January, the lowest in a decade
Overall homelessness grew by 7% to 8,300 in January, despite decrease in visible homelessness
Mayor London Breed has increased enforcement of anti-camping laws since August
Critics argue encampment sweeps merely hide homelessness from public view

Visible Homelessness Declines Amid Increased Enforcement

San Francisco’s streets are showing signs of improvement as the city’s visible homeless population has significantly decreased. The number of people sleeping outdoors dropped to under 3,000 in January, marking the lowest level in a decade. This change comes as Mayor London Breed has ramped up enforcement of anti-camping laws since August, following a U.S. Supreme Court decision.

While the decrease in visible homelessness is apparent, it’s important to note that overall homelessness in San Francisco actually grew by 7% to 8,300 in January. This discrepancy highlights the complex nature of addressing homelessness and raises questions about the effectiveness of current strategies.

Increased Shelter Capacity and Support Services

San Francisco has made substantial efforts to address homelessness by increasing shelter beds and permanent supportive housing units by over 50% in the past six years. New types of emergency shelters, like Mission Cabins, now offer privacy and allow pets, albeit with strict rules. These initiatives aim to provide more comprehensive support for those experiencing homelessness.

“Shelter should always be transitional,” said Lukas Illa, an organizer with San Francisco’s Coalition on Homelessness. “We shouldn’t have folks be in there as the long-lasting solution.”

Federal and state funding, including a controversial 2018 wealth tax, have significantly increased the budget for homelessness support. Proposition C, passed in 2018, raised taxes on businesses earning over $50 million to fund homelessness services, including mental health services, hygiene programs, housing aid, and preservation of single-room occupancy buildings.

Challenges and Criticisms

Despite these efforts, the homelessness crisis in San Francisco remains complex and multifaceted. Tracking homeless individuals is difficult, and it’s unclear where many have gone following recent enforcement efforts. Advocates criticize encampment sweeps as merely hiding homelessness from public view rather than addressing root causes.

“We’re seeing much cleaner sidewalks,” said Terry Asten Bennett, owner of Cliff’s Variety store in the city’s historically gay Castro neighborhood, adding that she hates to see homeless people shuffled around. “But also, as a business owner, I need clean, inviting streets to encourage people to come and shop and visit our city.”

The rising cost of living in San Francisco continues to be a significant factor contributing to homelessness, making it difficult for people to afford housing. Experts emphasize the need for more affordable housing to address the root causes of homelessness, with the Bay Area needing to build 700 new affordable housing units per month to meet demand.

Looking Ahead: A Comprehensive Approach Needed

As San Francisco grapples with its ongoing homelessness crisis, it’s clear that a more comprehensive and collaborative approach is necessary. As McKinsey & Company have put it, “After years of efforts to ease homelessness, it’s clear that no single approach is completely effective.” Prevention and early intervention remain critical but underfunded areas, with four new households becoming homeless for every one permanently housed. The fragmented response to homelessness, with a complex maze of shelters, services, and programs, underscores the need for greater coordination and data sharing among various stakeholders.

Moving forward, solutions will require expanding the housing supply, fostering greater state and regional collaboration, and engaging private and philanthropic capital. While recent efforts have shown promise in reducing visible homelessness, addressing the underlying causes and providing long-term solutions remains a significant challenge for San Francisco and the broader Bay Area.