San Francisco County officials are facing mounting pressure from residents regarding the management of supportive housing in the Mission Bay area. During a recent government meeting, community members voiced serious concerns about the impact of the HomeRise Mission Bay project, which has been marred by reports of violence, drug dealing, and inadequate security measures.
Residents highlighted alarming statistics, noting over 1,000 calls to city services, including more than 600 police calls, in just 14 months. They described a pattern of escalating incidents, including fistfights and open drug sales occurring right outside the supportive housing entrance. The community expressed frustration over what they perceive as a lack of effective response from HomeRise and the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing (HSH).
Nikki Amati, a resident of Selma West, presented a petition signed by 1,300 community members, emphasizing the concentration of supportive housing in District 6 and its negative effects on local businesses and the neighborhood's safety. Amati and others called for more equitable treatment across neighborhoods and demanded immediate action from city officials to address their concerns.
Marcel Davis, interim director for resident services with HomeRise, acknowledged the challenges but emphasized that the majority of residents are thriving. He noted ongoing efforts to improve communication and responsiveness to neighborhood concerns, including monthly meetings with local residents. However, many attendees felt that these discussions have not led to meaningful changes.
Deanna Terzian, another Mission Bay resident, criticized the lack of follow-through on promises made by HSH regarding tenant screening and security. She urged officials to implement concrete measures, such as relocating disruptive tenants and enforcing no-loitering policies, to restore safety and order in the area.
The meeting underscored a critical need for collaboration between supportive housing providers and the community to ensure that supportive housing initiatives do not compromise neighborhood safety and quality of life. As residents continue to advocate for their needs, city officials are urged to take decisive action to address the ongoing challenges faced by both the supportive housing residents and the surrounding community.