When is a bed not a bed? In Luries plan to end homelessness, it matters.

San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie is revising his initial commitment to eradicate street homelessness within six months, as outlined in a recent executive directive. His new plan includes the creation of 1,500 shelter beds, but he has redefined what constitutes a "shelter bed" to encompass a broader range of temporary housing options, such as emergency shelters and transitional housing. This change raises concerns over the actual number of new beds being introduced, as Lurie appears to be counting beds already in the pipeline from former Mayor London Breed's administration. Additionally, the deadline for implementing these beds has been extended from June to mid-September. The mayor’s office asserts that these beds are a temporary measure to assist those experiencing homelessness and mental health issues, but local leaders are expressing skepticism regarding their effectiveness and fairness.

Supervisor Shamann Walton has criticized the plan, particularly the replacement of a "homeless village" with shelter beds, calling it inequitable. Lurie's administration claims progress is being made, with 700 beds currently in "implementation planning," though none are yet under construction. The proposed extensions of hotel shelters also face backlash from neighboring residents, highlighting the complexities and challenges of addressing homelessness in San Francisco.