San Francisco's Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing (HSH) is set to implement significant reforms aimed at improving the family shelter system. During a recent government meeting, officials outlined a new approach focused on diverting families from emergency shelters to more sustainable housing solutions. This strategy aligns with national best practices and aims to better serve families who would otherwise face homelessness.

Key changes include a new prioritization system for families seeking shelter, which will take effect before the end of the year. The current shelter prioritization score will be phased out by December 9, making way for a new assessment tool that allows families to score up to 27 points based on their circumstances. Families with disabilities will receive additional points, recognizing their unique needs.

HSH has acknowledged the need for improved data collection regarding families living in Single Room Occupancies (SROs) and those who are doubled up in housing situations. Recent data indicated that 603 families were reported as doubled up in the 2023 Point-in-Time count. The department is committed to enhancing data accuracy and working with community stakeholders to address these gaps.

The reforms are the result of nearly a year of stakeholder engagement, including workshops and focus groups with families who have experienced homelessness. Feedback from these sessions has been largely positive, with no significant objections raised regarding the proposed policies.

These changes are designed not only to clear the family shelter waitlist but to ensure that the system prioritizes families who have no alternative but to seek shelter. As San Francisco moves forward with these reforms, the city aims to create a more effective and compassionate response to family homelessness, ultimately leading to better outcomes for vulnerable families in the community.