Neighbors Say Yes in Our Backyard as Board of Supervisors Unanimously Supports Community’s Call for TAY Housing in the Haight Ashbury

SAN FRANCISCO — Today, the Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to require that the City activate at least 20 additional transitional housing units for transitional age youth (TAY) experiencing homelessness in the Upper Haight. The Ordinance requires the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing to report to the Board of Supervisors progress within 120 days, and acquire the units no later than March 31, 2023.

“Haight residents have consistently and overwhelmingly said yes to homelessness services in their neighborhood but too often have been obstructed by the Administration,” said Supervisor Preston. “The community is tired of waiting, tired of excuses, tired of seeing unhoused neighbors suffer unnecessarily, especially while our city has the resources to get folks stably housed.”

An estimated 48% of homeless youth were displaced from housing in San Francisco before becoming homeless, and the Haight Ashbury has long been home to many youth experiencing homelessness seeking refuge from abusive families, alienating foster care or group home situations, and juvenile justice system involvement. These young people encounter constant threats to both their physical and mental health while on the streets.

The Haight neighborhood has overwhelmingly supported services and housing for people experiencing street homelessness. Early in the pandemic, despite a lawsuit by opponents, the neighborhood welcomed the City’s most successful safe sleeping village, which provided over 40 spaces for people to safely shelter in place outdoors with access to services, bathrooms and showers.

In October 2021, after issuing an RFP and selecting a nonprofit provider, the Administration abruptly pulled the plug on a drop in center at 730 Stanyan for homeless youth that would have provided showers, bathrooms, handwashing stations, and referrals.

For months, community advocates and service providers in the Haight called on the Administration to purchase the Red Vic Hotel on Haight Street for TAY housing and a drop in center. The seller was eager to sell the property for community use. As a result of the Administration’s inaction, that building has been sold to a private, for profit buyer. This was a missed opportunity with lasting consequences. Every time the City fails to act on an opportunity makes it harder to address the special needs of youth experiencing homelessness in the Haight.

“The Haight has always welcomed people from all walks of life, including our unhoused neighbors, with enthusiasm,” said David Woo, board member of the Haight-Ashbury Neighborhood Council. “Youth experiencing homelessness deserve homes and to thrive in our community with the same dignity as the rest of us.”

The City has over $10 million in uncommitted funds for bridge housing for youth experiencing homelessness waiting to be spent. This funding exists thanks to community advocates and the voters passing 2018’s Our City, Our Home initiative, which supports the goal to end the City’s homelessness crisis with humanity and compassion.

“We look forward to the City providing housing for unhoused TAY in the neighborhood at long last,” said Supervisor Preston.

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