Compass Family Services highlights rising shelter waitlist for homeless families

The San Francisco City Council meeting held on June 5, 2025, focused on pressing issues surrounding homelessness, particularly the challenges faced by families and the need for effective outreach strategies. The meeting began with a call for a comprehensive strategy to address homelessness, emphasizing the importance of not overlooking families in budget allocations.

Megan Rohrer, Policy Director at Compass Family Services, highlighted a concerning increase in the number of families on the shelter waitlist. She reported that the waitlist had grown from 266 families last month to 295 this month, totaling 872 individuals, which reflects a rise of 60 family members experiencing homelessness. Rohrer pointed out that while adult shelter numbers are decreasing, family numbers are on the rise, raising alarms about the shifting focus of funding away from family shelters to street outreach initiatives.

Rohrer urged the council to ensure that funding remains dedicated to family shelters, as the outreach teams currently refer families to organizations like Compass for assistance. She described the plight of "invisible family homelessness," where families are forced to live in vehicles to maintain proximity to schools and work, highlighting the need for continued support for these vulnerable groups.

Jared Parker, the new Director of Housing Operations at HomeRise, commended the collaborative efforts with the council and reported an improvement in vacancy rates within their housing portfolio. He expressed eagerness to continue working together to address housing needs for families and other programs.

Public comments also included a request for subcommittee meetings to discuss mental health issues related to homelessness and the complexities surrounding vehicular homelessness. One speaker raised concerns about the lack of clarity in addressing mental health challenges that contribute to homelessness, emphasizing the need for a broader understanding beyond substance abuse.

Maria Ahern, a case manager with HSH, shared insights from her experience, noting a lack of tracking systems that hinder continuity of care for clients as staff turnover occurs. She stressed the importance of maintaining consistent support for individuals transitioning between services to ensure their needs are met.

The meeting underscored the urgent need for a strategic approach to homelessness in San Francisco, particularly for families, and highlighted the importance of collaboration among various stakeholders to address these ongoing challenges effectively. The council is expected to consider these discussions in future planning and budget decisions.