San Francisco Homeless Numbers Fall to New LowRandy Shawbyline‚ Mar. 06‚ 2007The number of homeless single adults receiving welfare in San Francisco fell to 333 in December 2006, its lowest total ever according to data released on March 5 by the Mayor’s Office and SF Stat. This compares to the 2175 on the rolls when Care not Cash began in May 2004. Where did the 2175 go? Most obtained housing. The Human Services Agency (HSA) added 1091 units for homeless single adults since July 1, 2004, while the Health Department (DPH) added 408 units. As for the hundreds of inebriated homeless persons passed out on city sidewalks, the city announced a new “coordinated case management system” that should facilitate getting their placement in appropriate facilities. SF Stat shows there has been little progress in reducing homelessness among families, but this could dramatically change with following the February 1 start of the city’s new $3 million family rent-subsidy program. Homelessness remains a major problem in San Francisco, but the new data confirms that significant gains are being made. |