San Francisco’s Homeless and Supportive Housing Dept announced that they are removing homeless families from the shelter waiting list. Our streets are growing colder and the holidays are fast approaching. This moves us backwards. The growing needs of homeless families in San Francisco should result in more families receiving supportive housing, not a cut in the number of people prioritized for shelter.
Many of these families encounter additional obstacles, such as navigating immigration issues in a difficult political climate. San Francisco is a sanctuary of diversity and compassion. We should not move backward in our commitment to care for the rising number of immigrant families, especially in the aftermath of the election. The holiday season is the wrong time to leave families out in the cold! Join me in telling the city to step up its response and support homeless families.
The most recent count of homeless individuals and families in San Francisco showed that the number of homelessfamilies had increased 98% from 2022 to 2024. Tonight, more than 500 homeless families are on the waitlist for shelter and in need of safe, stable housing. This year the number of homeless students in San Francisco public schools also increased by 21% to 2,493 students. We have to do better!
Each Holiday Season GLIDE increases our programming to meet the rising need, providing groceries, toys for kids and thousands of Thanksgiving and Christmas meals. This year is no exception. In response to the rising needs of families, GLIDE has been increasing our support for families – through our Janice Mirikitani Family, Youth and Child Center, Family Resource Center and Women’s Center.
We’re challenging the city to see how they can do more for homeless families. Will you join us? Add your name to our letter to HSH and the Homelessness Oversight Commission.
Thank you for joining me in bringing attention to this important issue. Together we can ensure that families have what they need to be healthy, safe, and thriving.
Naeemah Charles
Senior Director of The Center for Social Justice
