Joanne Park receives Limelight Award for expanding shelter capacity in San Francisco

In a recent meeting held on May 1, 2025, the San Francisco City Commission focused on critical issues surrounding homelessness and shelter capacity in the city. The meeting began with an acknowledgment of the hard work and dedication of individuals involved in addressing homelessness, emphasizing the importance of their efforts in the community.

A significant highlight of the meeting was the recognition of Joanne Park, the Director of Real Estate and Facilities at the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing (HSH). Park was awarded the Limelight Award for her exceptional contributions to expanding shelter capacity in San Francisco. Over the past five years, she has played a pivotal role in increasing the number of shelter beds by 77%, adding over 1,200 new beds to the city’s resources. Her work involves not only managing the delivery of new shelters but also overseeing the maintenance of existing facilities, ensuring they meet the needs of the community.

During the meeting, Commissioner Evans recused himself from discussions regarding a specific agenda item due to a financial conflict of interest, highlighting the commission's adherence to ethical standards. The commissioners also approved the minutes from their previous meeting, demonstrating a commitment to transparency and accountability in their proceedings.

The meeting underscored the ongoing challenges faced by the city in addressing homelessness, particularly as it strives to meet the mayor's goal of establishing 1,500 shelter beds. Park's recognition serves as a reminder of the collaborative efforts required to tackle this pressing issue, as she emphasized the importance of teamwork and community support in her acceptance speech.

As the commission continues its work, the focus remains on finding innovative solutions to improve the living conditions for those experiencing homelessness in San Francisco. The discussions from this meeting reflect a broader commitment to enhancing shelter services and ensuring that the city’s response to homelessness is both effective and compassionate.