In a recent San Francisco County government meeting, officials approved a significant amendment to the agreement with 5 Keys, a nonprofit organization, to operate a semi-concrete shelter site at 685 Ellis Street. This resolution extends the existing contract until June 2026 and increases the funding from approximately $8 million to $27.3 million. The funding, sourced entirely from state homeless housing assistance and prevention grants, will support the shelter's operations, which serve 134 guests annually at a cost of about $6.9 million per year.

Nick Menard from the budget legislative analyst office reported that 5 Keys has met all operational service and outcome requirements outlined in the contract, prompting the recommendation for approval. The current shelter is intended as an interim solution while the city awaits state Homekey funds, which, if granted, will allow for the conversion of the shelter into permanent supportive housing. The timeline for this transition remains uncertain, but officials expect to hear back about the funding this fall.

The meeting also included a hearing on the Department of Public Health's Behavioral Health Unit System of Care. This discussion focused on the range of services available, including inpatient and outpatient programs, residential treatment, and case management. Officials emphasized the importance of understanding current service availability and waitlists to better address community needs.

The unanimous approval of the shelter amendment and the ongoing discussions about behavioral health services highlight the county's commitment to addressing homelessness and mental health challenges in the community. As these initiatives progress, residents can expect updates on the transition to permanent housing solutions and improvements in mental health services.