San Francisco Implements Extended Shelter Policy for Homeless Families Amid Ongoing Crisis
As San Francisco continues to grapple with a significant homeless crisis, a pivotal policy change is set to take effect on October 1, 2023. The new policy allows homeless families to extend their stay in shelters for a duration of 90 days, with the potential for unlimited 90-day extensions thereafter. This marks a substantial shift from the previous policy, which permitted only 90 days of shelter stay with a maximum of one 30-day extension.
Under the revised framework, families currently residing in shelters will receive an automatic 90-day extension to facilitate a seamless transition into the new policy. Eligibility for future extensions will be contingent upon the family demonstrating progress toward securing permanent housing, reflecting a targeted approach to address the systemic issues plaguing the homeless population.
The previous 30-day extension policy, which was reinstated in December 2024, had returned to a pre-pandemic norm that many advocates criticized for its lack of responsiveness to the overwhelming needs of homeless families. During the COVID-19 pandemic, shelter policies relaxed significantly, allowing families to remain until permanent housing could be secured. This shift was primarily in response to public health considerations and emerging evidence highlighting the vulnerability of homeless populations.
The change in policy follows a series of tense encounters between Mayor Daniel Lurie and families living in shelters. In February, Lurie reinforced his commitment to ensuring families making “positive progress” towards permanent housing would not face evictions. However, just days later, eviction notices were issued to several families, igniting protests that garnered media attention and led to the temporary granting of additional extensions.
District 9 Supervisor Jackie Fielder has played a critical role in advocating for these policy changes, introducing legislation aimed at extending the limit of shelter stays to a full year. Mayor Lurie emphasized that the intent behind the revised policy is to stimulate movement within the system, ultimately freeing up crucial shelter space for those still living on the streets. Nonetheless, he acknowledged that the city is still struggling to provide adequate indoor housing solutions for the thousands of individuals lacking shelter.
Advocates for the homeless have voiced concerns regarding the stress imposed by previous policies, particularly on families facing complex challenges, including the added fears of undocumented immigrants regarding potential deportation. Cordoba, the leader of the nonprofit Faith in Action Bay Area, highlighted that while the recent legislative changes are a positive step, significant work remains, with approximately 3,000 homeless children currently facing instability in San Francisco.
In conjunction with the extended shelter stays, Latino homeless families recently celebrated a million allocation for emergency rent vouchers—an initiative that aims to provide immediate assistance to families navigating the housing crisis. This funding comes as a result of collective advocacy efforts and demonstrates the community’s response to a pressing issue that has garnered continued attention from both local residents and policymakers.
As San Francisco confronts the multifaceted challenges of homelessness, the new shelter policy serves as a critical element in the city’s broader strategy to provide immediate relief while facilitating pathways to more stable, permanent housing solutions for vulnerable populations.
