San Francisco has marked a notable shift in its battle against homelessness, with the city reporting a 70% boost in helping individuals transition out of homelessness since Mayor London Breed took office. Through a variety of programs aimed at providing permanent supportive housing, rapid rehousing, relocation services, and financial assistance, the city has empowered 3,600 people in the 2023 fiscal year to leave the streets behind—a stark contrast from the year prior to Breed's tenure, when just over 2,100 individuals were assisted.
Highlighting the forward stride, Mayor Breed shared on X, "This last year alone we helped 3,600 people exit homelessness—a 70% increase over the year before I took office." After taking office, initiatives have led to providing aid to over 13,000 people, not accounting for the thousands who receive annual temporary shelter.
Since I took office, City programs have helped over 13,000 people exit homelessness. That doesn't include the thousands we shelter annually.
— London Breed (@LondonBreed) December 12, 2023
This last year alone we helped 3,600 people exit homelessness – a 70% increase over the year before I took office. https://t.co/grctSPMNeK
According to SF.gov, these improvements are credited in part to strategies launched since 2018, including the addition of 3,000 new housing slots—doubling Mayor Breed's original goal of 1,500 slots. Moreover, innovative programs such as Street to Home have been instrumental in accelerating the placement process for those transitioning straight from the street into permanent housing, which contributed to a 32% reduction in vacancies within the city's housing portfolio.
As part of a broadened approach, San Francisco expanded not just housing but also critical support services. Before being taken over by Mayor Breed, only a select group benefited from transportation assistance. Now, under her administration, such assistance and financial support reach a wider demographic in need, providing a more robust springboard for those looking to rebuild their lives. "Helping people exit homelessness is essential in our work to change lives and make our city even stronger," Mayor Breed stated, validating the comprehensive efforts of city staff and non-profit partners in this mission.
With the dawn of the new fiscal year, the city pledged to maintain its momentum, with the mayor expressing confidence in the continued progress toward addressing homelessness. In 2023 alone, outreach teams dedicated to addressing encampments have already facilitated shelter for approximately 1,500 individuals. These concerted efforts underscore San Francisco's commitment to fostering long-term stability and charting a viable path out of homelessness for its residents.
