SF Homeless Sweeps are Threatening Lives
On July 25, 2024, a US Supreme Court ruling allowed municipalities to bar unhoused persons from sleeping outdoors in public spaces, even if they have nowhere safe to shelter. In response, the Governor of California issued an executive order directing state agencies, in partnership with local authorities, to take action and address homeless encampments. This policy has resulted in sweeps by local police, harassing and displacing unhoused people in our community. It has had devastating effects.
We have seen an increase in the stress and trauma that already affect the everyday lives of our unhoused patients. Individuals are being handcuffed and cited. Their belongings, including essential medication, are confiscated and discarded. Our patients are harder to locate, and their health needs are more difficult to meet. These actions are hurting our patients, hindering our ability to deliver effective care, and taxing our teams. Our staff have also been harassed by police while doing their jobs.
While our medical providers persevere, our advocacy teams are raising awareness of the very human cost of these sweeps. To amplify the voices of those affected, we are engaging community partners and public officials as well as attending community meetings, rallies, and public forums.
Information
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: San Francisco Crackdowns on Homeless People (Aug 1, 2024)
HOW TO FILE A CLAIM: Have You Been the Victim of an Encampment Sweep?
LEARN: Preliminary injunction against the criminalization of homelessness in San Francisco
NEWS: Swept Away: What Cities Really Take When They Sweep Homeless Encampments
How to help
RESOURCE: How to be a housed ally to people experiencing homelessness
DONATE: Our community is in need of personal items, such as clothes, shoes, and hygiene kits. To help our teams provide these essentials and continuing care, visit our website to donate and help sustain our ongoing efforts.
TAKE ACTION: Contact your elected representatives to let them know you oppose these punitive sweeps.
TAKE ACTION: Sign on to Glide's call for San Francisco to prioritize real solutions in homeless response.
TAKE ACTION: Tell San Francisco's Leaders we need more permanent supportive housing to address high rates of homelessness
TAKE ACTION: Share our instagram carousel about the issue
Our Programs
Do you know someone who needs help? Our programs support our community, provide a safe and welcoming drop-in space, and offer essential health services:
The Community Living Room
Community Living Room is a vital, life-saving resource for our most marginalized communities in the Tenderloin. It is open to anyone living, working, or passing through the neighborhood and acts as an access point for linkage and navigation to healthcare, behavioral health services, case management, and substance use treatment and services.
Location: 730 Polk Street, 4th Floor
Drop-In Schedule: Monday-Friday
Mornings:
9:00 - 11:45pm: Coffee, Breakfast, & Harm Reduction Supplies
Afternoons:
1:00pm: Coffee
1:30pm: Harm Reduction Supplies
2:30pm: Lunches
Trans: Thrive stands for Transgender Resource and Neighborhood Space (Trans), and Transgender Health & Resource Initiative for Vital Empowerment (Thrive)
Trans: Thrive includes all services provided for the Trans/GNC community at SFCHC. Trans Thrive is more than a drop in center, it’s services for US, by US.
The Trans Thrive Drop-In space is open five days a week at 1460 Pine St (between Larkin & Polk Streets) from 2–4:30pm. Here, any trans/GNC person can become a part of Trans Thrive. Folks who come to the drop-in for the first time are asked to fill out an intake form and meet with a staff member to discuss expectations and the benefits of the drop-in space, which include: a lounge, computer lab, clothing closet, and other amenities. Everyday there are groups (with food) on various topics.
Who we serve:
Transgender people of color
Transgender people living with or at risk for HIV
Transgender people with substance abuse issues
Homeless and marginally housed trans people
Trans people in jail & re-entering society
Transgender youth, gender variant and non-conforming
Transgender people new to Bay area
Anyone on the trans/GQ/GV spectrum
Location: 1460 Pine Street
Drop-In Hours: Monday-Friday 2:00 - 4:30pm