In a recent San Francisco government meeting, officials discussed a crucial contract renewal aimed at enhancing the city’s response to homelessness. The contract, which spans from January 1, 2024, to June 30, 2027, is valued at approximately $36 million and is primarily funded through a mix of general funds and state and federal grants. This initiative is designed to bolster the city’s outreach efforts, providing essential services to those experiencing homelessness.

The contract will be managed by Haluna Health, the sole agency that met the minimum qualifications in the request for proposal process. The outreach team, consisting of 22 full-time employees and 13 case managers, operates in pairs throughout various neighborhoods in San Francisco. Their work focuses on a trauma-informed approach, connecting individuals to housing assessments and case management services, which are vital for transitioning people from the streets to permanent supportive housing.

During the fiscal year 2022-2023, the outreach team conducted over 40,000 encounters and completed more than 2,000 coordinated entry assessments, serving over 4,000 unique clients. The demographics of the homeless population served revealed that nearly 70% were male, with significant representation from the Black and LGBTQ+ communities.

Commissioners raised questions about the contract's performance metrics, which are assessed bi-weekly to ensure that Haluna Health meets its objectives. The team is currently operating at 90% staffing capacity, which officials noted is commendable given the challenges faced in hiring post-pandemic.

In addition to housing support, the outreach workers play a critical role in providing survival tools, food, and hygiene supplies, especially as the city prepares for winter. The meeting underscored the importance of these services in addressing the immediate needs of the homeless population while also working towards long-term solutions.

As San Francisco continues to grapple with homelessness, this contract renewal represents a significant commitment to improving outreach and support systems, aiming to create a more effective response to one of the city’s most pressing challenges. The next steps will involve closely monitoring the contract's implementation and ensuring that the outreach teams are fully equipped to meet the needs of the community.