Gerald Commons opens to serve older adults experiencing homelessness; $9 million awarded to restore Halliday Plaza as Dignity Fund faces uncertainty

Gerald Commons, a temporary shelter dedicated to older adults experiencing homelessness, opened on April 1 and offers 68 new shelter beds across 60 cabins, Executive Director Kelly Dearman told the DAS commission on April 2.

The demonstration shelter is intended to meet the unique needs of older adults and people with disabilities, Dearman said, adding that on-site caregivers will provide nonmedical personal care and paramedical services in partnership with in-home supportive services (IHSS).

"This is the first time we've had a focus on older adults," Dearman said. "Caregivers on-site will be able to provide the necessary support to meet the needs for older adults staying at Gerald Commons."

Halliday Plaza funding Dearman also announced that, as part of the 2024 Proposition B bond for downtown public improvements, the city will allocate $9 million to restore Halliday Plaza, a transit hub linking Union Square and Market Street. The restoration plan includes replacing a long-broken elevator with a circular ramp and other accessibility improvements.

"We're going to get $9,000,000 to fund the restoration project there, which will include a circular ramp," Dearman said. "It'll get rid of the elevator that doesn't work."

Dignity Fund uncertainty and public comments Dearman and community speakers warned that local funding remains precarious. Dearman said the March Controller's update left the future of a $3 million Dignity Fund growth allocation unclear and that, given current fiscal constraints, it is "extremely unlikely" the growth funding will be approved. She noted that for some counties OAA funding is the only funding source for older-adult services.

During general public comment, Marie Jobling of the Dignity Fund Coalition urged commissioners and the mayor to secure the $3 million allocation and said seniors are "getting older and poorer," with fear rising over potential cuts.

"We ask [the board] to make good on that promise," Jobling said. "That $3,000,000 has actually been a buffer in many years ... and even more than ever, $3,000,000 in DAS's budget to be able to address the most critical needs will be really important."

Patty Smaniak Davidson of the Community Living Campaign said older adults in the city are "on edge" and invited commissioners to a community event on May 15 to discuss local actions.

Ending Dearman said DAS will continue working with IHSS and other partners to implement Gerald Commons and will share more details, including schematics for Halliday Plaza, during Disability Pride Month. Commissioners and public commenters urged elected officials to prioritize Dignity Fund commitments as the city finalizes its budget.