Homeless families in San Francisco are now able to stay longer in shelters thanks to a new policy that increases the extensions they can have.
Under the new policy, which takes effect on Oct. 1, homeless families in San Francisco can stay in shelters for 90 days and receive unlimited 90-day extensions. Current policy notes that the Department of Homelessness and Supporting Housing only allows them to stay in shelters for 90 days with 30-day extensions.
Homeless Families in San Francisco
Families that are currently residing in shelters will receive a blanket 90-day extension to bridge the gap between now and Oct. 1. The new policy will grant 90-day extensions to homeless families that meet eligibility requirements, including making progress toward finding permanent housing.
The current 30-day extension policy was originally imposed in December 2024, which reverted to a pre-pandemic practice. During the health crisis, homeless families were allowed to stay until they were able to find permanent housing, according to Mission Local.
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Mayor Daniel Lurie also met with homeless families in late February, where he promised them that as long as they were able to make "positive progress" towards getting permanent housing, they would not be evicted from shelters. However, two days after that, two dozen families were given eviction notices.
The situation later resulted in protests and media coverage, which prompted the local administration to grant several of the families an additional 30-day extension. Shortly after, District 9 Supervisor Jackie Fielder introduced new legislation that expanded the limit for shelter stays to a year.
Encouraging a Flow in the System
Lurie said that the new policy will help "encourage flow in our system" and open up much-needed space for families who are on the street right now. However, he acknowledged that the city still has a few indoor options to offer to the thousands of people who are forced to sleep on San Francisco's streets, the San Francisco Chronicle reported.
Homeless advocates have argued that the current policy caused undue stress to families who are already experiencing instability and strife. Many of these are undocumented immigrants who are also forced to face fears of deportation under the current government.
The leader of the homeless non-profit Faith in Action Bat Area, Cordoba, said that despite the win with the legislation, the work continues, as there are still around 3,000 homeless children in San Francisco who need help.
On top of the extended stays in shelters, Latino homeless families are celebrating a major $30 million in emergency rent vouchers. The funding comes months after the organization of families and advocates, as per El Tecolote.
