San Francisco is thinking about launching its first
Though some residents are unhappy about its possible launch, San Francisco is thinking of constructing its first long-term, city-funded sober living home in Chinatown. The plan comes as criticism over a wave of drug deaths that have occurred in the city in recent years grows.
The 150-unit facility would be available for occupancy by those who have previously completed a year of sobriety, and it would be housed at Hotel North Beach on Kearny Street. There won’t be any drug testing at the facility, according to officials, but patients who relapse frequently will be moved to alternative accommodation.
“We’re thrilled about the prospect of a sober living setting for individuals who have battled addiction and find it difficult to stay sober due to their surroundings,”stated Mayor London Breed on Thursday during a press conference. And from what I’ve heard from a number of individuals in the Tenderloin community, where we were recently, they were searching for other options, and this site offers one.
stated Mayor London Breed on Thursday during a press conference. And from what I’ve heard from a number of individuals in the Tenderloin community, where we were recently, they were searching for other options, and this site offers one.
While sober living communities already exist in San Francisco, they’re aimed at transitioning drug or alcohol users into permanent housing over a period of up to 90 days, said Emily Cohen, a spokesperson for the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing, which would operate the facility along with the Tenderloin Housing Clinic.
Tk from some in the Chinatown community.
Edward Siu, chairman of the Chinatown Merchants United Association, attended Thursday’s press conference with a scowl on his face and his arms crossed. He said the city hadn’t consulted with him and others in the community, though he didn’t outright say he was against the sobriety model of housing. The use of state funds for housing needs is prohibited by law if eligibility is based on involvement in ahe city’s proposal would be the first time it is devoting its own funds to a facility that will house people indefinitely with abstinence in mind and supportive services attached. About 8,000 people live in permanent supportive housing in San Francisco—and drug overdoses are very common inside the facilities—a crisis that some attribute to a loneliness epidemic that the community-centered approach of sober living wants to counter, said officials on Thursday.
An existing law prevents using state funding for housing needs if eligibility is contingent on participation in an on-site program, like sobriety. The city is getting around this by using its own general fund dollars. Cohen said it will cost the city $750,000 to get the program up and running —and about $3.7 million per year to operate.
Locals in Chinatown claim they weren’t consulted.
But the plans are already facing pushbacn on-site program, such as sobriety. By spending money from its own general fund, the city is able to get around this. Cohen stated that the initiative will require $750,000 to launch and approximately $3.7 million to run annually for the city.
Locals in Chinatown claim they weren’t consulted, yet some of the neighborhood is already opposed to the proposals.
The head of the Chinatown Merchants United Association, Edward Siu, wore a frown and crossed his arms as he attended the news conference on Thursday. Although he could not state categorically that he was opposed to the sober model of housing, he said the city had not talked with him and other community members.
“What prevented you from contacting us prior to the press conference?” In front of a group of media, Siu questioned the mayor.
Breed acknowledged that she had made “a mistake” by not contacting Siu and a few other critics who surrounded the business leader, but she would be pleased to talk with him in private.
Some, like as Sara Shortt of the Treatment on Demand Coalition, an advocate for the homeless, are dubious about the potential effects on relapsers within the proposed institution.
Shortt declared, “I wholeheartedly support extending resources through every range of the (housing) spectrum.” “At this point, our city could really benefit from this. I simply would like to be absolutely certain that we won’t
The Homeless Oversight Commission must still approve the plan; their next meeting is scheduled for March 7.
Drug rehab patients claim the clinic has great potential to help people looking for a better life.
Myron Grant, a former homeless person enrolled in Positive Directions’ drug treatment program, stated that he used prescription medications and overdosed approximately a year ago. Standing outside the Chinatown hotel, Grant stated that it had been essential to abstain from narcotics and surround himself with individuals who share his vision.
Grant, 35, remarked, “It’s reestablished my relationship with my family.” “What a fantastic support network.”