Supervisors Hear Warnings From Providers as Departments Outline Cuts and One‑time Funding Gaps

San Francisco — City officials and service providers traded questions and warnings April 17 as the Budget and Appropriations Committee took an early look at how mayoral budget guidance could affect homelessness response, shelter services and tenant-protection programs.

Chair Connie Chan opened the hearing by telling colleagues the committee wanted to “get a head start’’ on the budget process before the mayor delivers a full proposal May 30. She noted the city faces an approximate $800,000,000 budget gap and said the panel would use the session to probe department plans and hear community concerns.

The Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing (HSH) presented its two‑year proposal and a five‑year strategic framework called Home by the Bay, which the department said guides investments in prevention, shelter, and permanent supportive housing. “In the past 2 years alone, we’ve helped over 6,700 people move out of homelessness,” HSH Executive Director Shereen McSpadden told the committee and summarized ongoing capital work: “we have, or are in the process of deploying over $26,000,000 in funding to address capital improvement needs.”

Gigi Whitley, HSH’s chief of administration and finance, said the department’s proposed budget shows a modest overall decline (about 7% over two years) largely because one‑time state funds and other temporary sources are ending. Whitley said HSH was asked to identify a 10% ongoing general‑fund reduction target (about…