The recent government meeting in San Francisco highlighted significant progress in the city’s permanent supportive housing (PSH) initiatives from 2018 to 2023. The meeting focused on the expansion of housing options and the effectiveness of city services aimed at reducing homelessness.
Since January 2018, the city has seen a 23% increase in site-based PSH units, rising from 7,577 to 9,353 by October 2023. Additionally, scattered site PSH has surged by an impressive 283%, growing from 733 units to 2,811 during the same period. This growth includes various housing programs, such as HUD VASH, which are not fully reflected in the city’s dashboard.
The meeting also reviewed the city’s performance in facilitating exits from homelessness. The controller's office reported that San Francisco has consistently exceeded its target goals for transitioning individuals into permanent supportive housing and rapid rehousing. In 2022, there were 3,127 successful exits, which increased to 3,504 in 2023, demonstrating the city’s commitment to addressing homelessness through effective housing solutions.
Demographic data presented during the meeting revealed that over 60% of clients in site-based PSH identified as male, while 32% identified as female. The racial composition showed that approximately 34% of participants were Black and 23% identified as Latinx. Mental health conditions were reported by 38% of clients, indicating a significant need for supportive services.
Overall, the meeting underscored San Francisco's ongoing efforts to expand housing resources and improve outcomes for individuals experiencing homelessness, reflecting a proactive approach to a critical social issue. The city continues to monitor and adapt its strategies to ensure effective support for its residents.