San Francisco's Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing is poised to make significant strides in addressing homelessness after the commission approved a $60 million application for federal funding during a recent meeting. The application, submitted to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), aims to secure resources for both existing housing programs and new supportive housing projects.
The meeting highlighted the commendable efforts of Grace Jin, Anthony McCauley, and Charles Miner from the Homeless Services Agency (HSA), who were recognized for their leadership in navigating the complex application process. Their work involved engaging community members with lived experiences of homelessness and collaborating with various local agencies to create a competitive proposal for funding.
Emily Cohen, the deputy director, emphasized the importance of this funding, stating that it is critical for not only maintaining current housing programs but also for advancing new initiatives to support those experiencing homelessness. The application is part of a larger national funding opportunity, with San Francisco eligible for up to $58 million in renewal funds and an additional $6.3 million for new projects.
The commission expressed optimism about the application’s potential impact on the community, with hopes that the collaborative efforts will yield positive results. As the city awaits a response from HUD, the focus remains on continuing to work together to address homelessness effectively and compassionately.