S.F. homeless families can stay in shelters for longer after pushback

Starting October 1, San Francisco will allow homeless families to remain in shelters for 90 days, with the possibility of unlimited extensions, marking a shift from the previous 30-day policy. Families currently in shelters will receive a blanket 90-day extension to bridge the transition. Mayor Daniel Lurie affirmed that the new policy prioritizes compassion while fostering access to permanent housing. The change follows protests after families received eviction notices despite promises of support. District 9 Supervisor Jackie Fielder responded by proposing legislation to extend the limit for shelter stays to a year.

Most of the families affected are immigrants, emphasizing the need for supportive policies. Feng Han, a legislative aide to Fielder, noted that negotiations involved various stakeholders, including the Department of Homelessness and shelter providers. The Board of Supervisors secured $30 million for housing families and transitional-aged youth, showcasing a commitment to addressing long waitlists for family shelters.