Prop C funds launched! San Francisco takes first step to maneuver dial on homelessness
The history of housing and homelessness in San Francisco is full of violence, racism and inhumanity. Today is no different, with sheriff evictions, DPW and SFPD searches of homeless people from sleep during raids at 2 a.m., and systematic gentrification of the black and brown neighborhoods. So many people born and raised here have been pushed out of their own homes onto the streets to make room for tech oligarchs and their thugs who live alone in converted, one-bedroom open floor plans that once housed entire families lived – an injustice that the city committed against itself. Proposal C provides $ 300 million annually in permanent housing, housing, psychiatric care and services for homeless residents of San Francisco as a 0.5 percent tax on businesses that earn more than $ 50 million a year – a pennies for them, but possibly protection for those in need. – Photo: Beth LaBerge, KQED
First major Prop C funding release based on homeless experience
by Jennifer Friedenbach, Coalition for Homelessness
San Francisco – The Our City Our Home Oversight Committee has released its first major effort, including funding homelessness exits for more than 3,200 households, including purchasing over 1,000 residential units, funding homelessness for approximately 21,000 San Franciscans, and more than 1,000 new households in protective beds.
The supervisory committee is appointed by the board of directors and the mayor in accordance with the text of the law and has the task of recommending how the funds should be used. The body received contributions from over 850 people, mostly people with long experience with homelessness, as well as city departments and service providers to help make their decisions.
The measure envisages that half of the funds will be used for permanent housing and a quarter for behavioral health and investments in prevention and accommodation. It also prescribes the accommodation of families with children and young people.
The initiative funds $ 300 million annually in permanent housing, housing, mental health and services for the homeless San Francisco residents.
“This move won the hearts of the Franciscans and we are thrilled that the regulator welcomes the spirit of the grassroots effort that made this possible and the intent of the voters. These funding recommendations will transform the lives of impoverished homeless people in countless ways, ”said Tracey Mixon, a former homeless mother and a member of the Our City Our Home Coalition.
Proposal C was accepted in November 2020 with over 60 percent support. The initiative funds $ 300 million annually in permanent housing, housing, mental health and services for the homeless San Francisco residents. The measure also enables the funding of several thousand Franciscans who stay in their homes through rent support and other support.
The funding comes from an average gross income tax of 0.5 percent on corporate revenues of more than $ 50 million per year. The measure faced a legal challenge but won this case and funds were released last fall. These recommendations now go to the mayor and the BOS for final approval.
Julia D’Antonio, a former homeless mother and COH Oversight Board member and Vice Chairperson, said, “Our city, our home, Proposition C, was born in the ward and we ask the city to honor that spirit by serving People with a listening lived experience that calls for an emphasis on housing all homeless people, including families and adolescents, as well as behavioral health care, housing and prevention. ”
Jennifer Friedenbach is the Coalition for Homelessness Director at 280 Turk Street, San Francisco, CA 94102. You can reach her at 415-346-3740 or online at http://www.cohsf.org/ and follow them on social media media @coalitiononhomelessness. Email Jennifer at jfriedenbach@cohsf.org.
