The number of people sleeping outdoors in San Francisco dropped to under 3,000 in January, the lowest the city has recorded in a decade, according to a federal count.

The number of people sleeping outdoors dropped to under 3,000 in January, the lowest the city has recorded in a decade, according to a federal count.

And that figure has likely dropped even lower since Mayor London Breed — a Democrat in a difficult reelection fight this November — started ramping up enforcement of anti-camping laws in August following a U.S. Supreme Court decision.

Homelessness in no way has gone away, and in fact grew 7%, to 8,300 in January, according to the same federal count.

But the problem is now notably out of the public eye, raising the question of where people have gone and whether the change marks a turning point in a crisis long associated with San Francisco.

  • @ChonkyOwlbear
    -3•5 hours ago

    San Francisco has increased the number of shelter beds and permanent supportive housing units by more than 50% over the past six years.

    Read the article before commenting next time.

    • Flying Squid
      6•4 hours ago

      Shelters are not permanent living accommodations. They don’t let you stay in them long-term. On top of that, everything from just basic theft to sexual assault happens in shelters.

      Also, if you have a dog, you can’t bring the dog with you. If you’re a woman alone on the streets, having a dog around to protect you is a pretty good idea.

      So increasing the number of shelter beds doesn’t do shit. Permanent housing units, fine. But touting shelters is just bullshit.

    • @ChonkyOwlbear
      1•1 hour ago

      You skipped the “and permanent housing units” part of my comment. Shelters are a step to getting off the street. They give homeless access to information and resources to improve their position. It is in no way “ignoring the problem” like you claim. Short of singlehandedly solving poverty, what do you expect a mayor to do?