Advocates demand investigation into homelessness nonprofit misconduct at Our City Oversight meeting

In a recent meeting of the Our City, Our Home Oversight Committee, a poignant testimony emerged, shedding light on serious allegations of misconduct within nonprofits linked to San Francisco's Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing. The atmosphere was charged as a concerned citizen, who identified themselves as a victim of abuse, spoke out against Jennifer Friedenbach, a committee member and director of the Coalition on Homelessness.

The individual recounted a troubling encounter with Friedenbach in the fall of 2023, where they discussed allegations of a cover-up involving Christian Kalinski, the former co-director of "Taking It to the Streets," a nonprofit organization associated with the department. During this meeting, Friedenbach reportedly acknowledged hearing rumors about the misconduct and indicated that it involved employees from the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing.

This testimony was not just a personal account; it was a call to action. The speaker urged the committee to investigate these serious claims, expressing frustration over years of feeling silenced by city officials. They highlighted their recent contact with the city controller's whistleblower program, which finally allowed them to report the alleged abuse.

As the meeting progressed, the gravity of the situation hung in the air, prompting a sense of urgency among the commissioners present. The testimony served as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by those seeking justice within the city's support systems. The committee's response to these allegations could have significant implications for the oversight of nonprofits and the protection of vulnerable populations in San Francisco.

As the meeting concluded, the call for accountability echoed, leaving attendees and viewers alike pondering the future of oversight in the city’s homelessness services and the necessary steps to ensure that such misconduct is addressed and prevented.