Supervisor Fielder accuses S.F. homeless dept. of playing numbers games with homeless families

District 9 Supervisor Jackie Fielder has publicly challenged the San Francisco Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing's assertion that a new policy capping shelter stays at 90 days has improved family housing outcomes. Fielder contends that the 51 percent decrease in the shelter waitlist is primarily due to a redefinition of eligibility requirements, rather than the new policy itself. Under the revised rules, families living in single-room occupancy hotels or doubled up with others are no longer eligible for shelter, leading to a significant drop in reported numbers. In response, Fielder has introduced an ordinance to extend the shelter stay limit from 90 days to one year, arguing that families require more time to regain stability. Jennifer Friedenbach, executive director of the Coalition on Homelessness, criticized the department, stating that cutting families from the waitlist does not equate to success.

She highlighted the dire circumstances many of these families face, underscoring the need for more supportive housing resources. While the department reported a slight increase in families transitioning to stable housing, Fielder questions the accuracy of attributing this improvement solely to the new shelter policy. The ongoing debate reflects the complexities of addressing homelessness in San Francisco and the urgent need for effective solutions.