San Francisco’s homeless plan approved, deemed ‘most costly’ by analysts.
The San Francisco City Council made a significant decision on Oct. 3. They voted to approve a plan that extends the lease on a safe parking site at Candlestick Point, providing space for 35 vehicles and their occupants. The cost of this two-year extension amounts to nearly $13 million. But it’s not just a parking space; residents will also have access to meals, wi-fi, and laundry services.
While legislative analysts recommended the extension, they also suggested exploring cheaper alternatives in the future. However, the council unanimously approved the proposal, recognizing the responsibility to keep communities clean and safe. As Supervisor Shamann Walton stated, ”This is an expensive endeavor, but we cannot afford the alternative.”
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The focus of this decision is the Bayview Vehicle Triage Center, which was established in January 2022 to provide a safe parking space with amenities for homeless individuals living in their vehicles. The goal is to eventually accommodate up to 69 vehicles once fire suppression methods and power infrastructure are in place.
Access to the triage center is by invitation only, with the city’s Healthy Streets Operation Center and the San Francisco Homeless Outreach Team managing the process.
According to statistics from the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing, 96 individuals from 73 households stayed at the site during the fiscal year 2022–23, with an average stay of 218 days.
The facility is operated by two San Francisco-based nonprofits, the Bayview Hunters Point Foundation and Urban Alchemy. These organizations provide services, support groups, and activities to help individuals transition out of homelessness.
The Bayview Hunters Point Foundation offers meals, case management, engagement, and exit planning. However, concerns have been raised about the foundation’s performance, including high turnover and lack of compliance with grant agreements.
Urban Alchemy, on the other hand, is responsible for site maintenance, laundry services, storage, and entry and exit processes. They receive the majority of the funding, with nearly $8 million allocated between January 2024 and January 2026.
During a committee hearing, a representative from Urban Alchemy emphasized the importance of keeping the facility operational for the benefit of those living there. Otis Hughes, a resident, expressed gratitude for the program, stating, “They help me be a better human being.”
The agreement with the San Francisco-based organization includes an annual rent of $312,000 and operating costs of approximately $12.2 million. Additional costs for law and parking enforcement are estimated to be around $900,000.
Funding for this initiative comes from Proposition C, a gross receipts tax on businesses with revenues exceeding $50 million annually. This tax was passed by San Francisco voters in 2018.
$400 per Car per Night
The analysts’ report describes this proposal as the most expensive intervention for homelessness, with a cost of approximately $140,000 per year per vehicle, or $400 per night.
In 2021, the city paid $105 per night for a similar site on San Jose Avenue, but that site did not offer on-site case management. Critics argue that the cost of $12,000 per space is significantly higher than market rent prices in San Francisco, where a one-bedroom apartment typically costs less than $3,000 per month.
While the report suggests exploring cost-saving options in the future, the analysts ultimately recommended approving the proposed resolution to align with established city guidelines.
The triage center was developed as part of a 2019 ordinance that directed the homelessness department to establish a Safe Overnight Parking Pilot Program. The chosen location, Candlestick Point State Recreation Area, required approximately $4.6 million in grant funds for preparation, including the installation of necessary infrastructure.
During the committee meeting, numerous individuals expressed their support for extending the lease, highlighting the positive impact the site has had on their lives. They emphasized the need for more spaces like this.
However, some critics raised concerns about the environmental impact of the site and its proximity to a park where children play. They also questioned whether expanding capacity would truly reduce costs.
Despite the differing opinions, the council approved the lease extension, recognizing the ongoing challenges of homelessness in San Francisco. The city continues to grapple with a significant unsheltered homeless population, with 24 percent of them sleeping in vehicles.
How does the Bayview Vehicle Triage Center aim to address the immediate needs of individuals living in their vehicles and support them in transitioning out of homelessness?
Posal as “costly,” and indeed it is. The price of providing these services to 35 vehicles for two years amounts to nearly $13 million. This breaks down to approximately $400 per car per night. Critics argue that this amount of money could be better spent on long-term solutions for homelessness, such as permanent housing. However, supporters of the plan emphasize the immediate need for safe spaces and basic amenities for those living in their vehicles.
With the high cost of living in San Francisco and the lack of affordable housing, many individuals and families have resorted to living in their vehicles. The Bayview Vehicle Triage Center aims to provide a temporary solution by offering a safe place to park and access to meals, wi-fi, and laundry services. The goal is to not only address the immediate needs of these individuals but also support them in transitioning out of homelessness.
The success of the Bayview Vehicle Triage Center relies on the collaboration between the city’s Healthy Streets Operation Center and the San Francisco Homeless Outreach Team. These organizations are responsible for managing the invitation process and ensuring that the center remains a safe and supportive environment for its residents.
The facility is operated by two nonprofits, the Bayview Hunters Point Foundation and Urban Alchemy. While the Bayview Hunters Point Foundation offers meals, case management, and exit planning, there have been concerns raised about their performance. These concerns include high turnover and a lack of compliance with grant agreements. Urban Alchemy, on the other hand, is responsible for site maintenance, laundry services, storage, and entry and exit processes. They receive the majority of the funding, with nearly $8 million allocated between January 2024 and January 2026.
Despite the criticisms and concerns, residents of the Bayview Vehicle Triage Center express gratitude for the program. One resident, Otis Hughes, stated that the program has helped him become a better human being. This highlights the positive impact that these services can have on individuals experiencing homelessness.
The funding for this initiative comes from Proposition C, a gross receipts tax on businesses with revenues exceeding $50 million annually. This tax was passed by San Francisco voters in 2018, with the aim of providing funding for homeless services and affordable housing.
While the two-year extension of the lease on the Bayview Vehicle Triage Center is a significant decision, it is important to continue exploring more cost-effective alternatives for addressing homelessness in the future. Long-term solutions, such as affordable housing and supportive services, are essential in combating the issue of homelessness in San Francisco and ensuring that individuals and families have access to stable and secure living situations.
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