In a recent San Francisco government meeting, community advocates voiced urgent concerns regarding the city’s approach to family homelessness. The atmosphere was charged with emotion as speakers highlighted the struggles faced by families living in RVs and temporary shelters, emphasizing the need for more sustainable housing solutions.

One passionate volunteer shared insights from their work with families experiencing homelessness, noting that many prefer living in RVs over traditional shelters. “They want a sense of home,” the speaker explained, pointing out that the current two to three-year housing assistance is insufficient. Families, particularly those with children, face significant challenges when forced to move frequently, impacting their education and social connections. The call for a five-year housing extension resonated strongly, as it could provide the stability these families desperately need.

The meeting also featured Shiba Bandera, a policy associate at Glide, who strongly opposed proposed changes to the family shelter waitlist. Bandera argued that limiting the number of families on the waitlist would exacerbate the homelessness crisis, pushing vulnerable families back onto the streets. “Our shelter systems are overwhelmed,” she stated, urging the city to prioritize families facing dire circumstances, including those escaping domestic violence.

Jennifer Friedenbach from the Coalition on Homelessness echoed these sentiments, expressing frustration over the lack of community involvement in policy decisions. She highlighted the doubling of homeless families and the urgent need for a more inclusive approach to shelter eligibility. Friedenbach called for a delay in implementing new policies, emphasizing that the current system fails to account for the realities faced by low-income and undocumented families.

As the meeting progressed, concerns about the proposed restrictions on shelter lengths and waitlist access were raised. Advocates argued that these changes could lead to more families being forced back into homelessness, undermining the goal of providing stable housing. Alyanna Bender, policy manager for Glide, stressed the importance of engaging with service providers to ensure that policies reflect the needs of families.

The discussions underscored a critical moment for San Francisco as it grapples with a growing homelessness crisis. Advocates are calling for a shift in focus from temporary solutions to long-term housing stability, urging city officials to listen to the voices of those directly affected. As the meeting concluded, the message was clear: families deserve more than temporary shelter; they need a place to call home.