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Project Homeless Connect contract terminated; volunteers and providers urge restoration
Summary
Project Homeless Connect (PHC), a long‑running access and drop‑in program used by thousands each year, received a 30‑day termination notice from HSH. PHC leaders and volunteers told the Homelessness Oversight Commission that the abrupt termination threatens daily services and staff jobs and asked the city to restore funding.
Project Homeless Connect (PHC), a nonprofit that for 21 years has provided low‑barrier drop‑in services, outreach and access supports, told the Homelessness Oversight Commission on June 5 it received a 30‑day notice terminating the city contract effective June 30, 2025.
Pam Holman, PHC executive director, and staff described the notice as abrupt and said the contract had previously been approved by the commission to run through June 30, 2026. PHC staff and volunteers told commissioners the organization delivers a range of services — from hygiene kits and DMV vouchers to vision care, mail services, coordinated‑entry access and housing problem‑solving — and that those services reached thousands of individuals last year.
Why it matters HSH staff told the commission the proposed budget submitted by the mayor includes reductions in community grants and that HSH must prioritize core shelter and housing services amid a large city deficit. Commissioners and public commenters warned that cutting PHC’s funding would create a gap in a widely used entry point to services for people who are unsheltered or newly homeless.
What PHC and volunteers said PHC staff and long‑time volunteers told the commission the program served more than 7,500 unique people and delivered over 23,000 services in the 2024–25 term, including coordinated‑entry referrals and assistance with IDs and benefits. PHC representative Eliza described direct services the organization provides and said that exit pathways and preventative services rely on PHC’s presence.
Community reaction and next steps Multiple volunteers and faith‑based volunteers who spoke at the meeting asked the commission and HSH to restore funding. Commissioners noted the public comments and said they would raise the issue with Board of Supervisors budget hearings; HSH staff said they would work with PHC leadership to explore philanthropic alternatives and review available contingency funds.
HSH context HSH officials said they had earlier reviewed contracts to identify costed services and were required to balance priorities given limited general‑fund resources; HSH also indicated there is approximately $2.1 million in PHC spending authority still available contingent on identifying a funding source, and that staff would pursue options to mitigate program interruption.
Ending PHC leaders and volunteers said they would continue active outreach to the mayor’s office, Board of Supervisors and philanthropic partners to preserve the program and staff positions while the budget process continues.
