Via email from rescuesf.org/
RescueSF participated in a project organized by the San Francisco Chronicle to propose innovative solutions to some of San Francisco’s biggest problems.
Government Reform
While San Francisco is simultaneously confronting multiple urgent challenges – such as homelessness, fentanyl, and downtown collapse – there is an even bigger crisis. Why is it so hard for City Hall to solve hard problems? RescueSF led the work on a proposal for San Francisco to launch a performance management pilot to make city government more effective, efficient, transparent, and accountable.
Read the proposal: Make City Government More Effective
Homeless Shelter: The Stabilization Center
We also collaborated on two proposals regarding new models for homeless shelters.
The first proposal, led by The Salvation Army, proposes to launch a new type of homeless shelter, called a stabilization center, that would address guests’ urgent primary and behavioral health needs. Homeless people in San Francisco suffer from serious physical health conditions – such as cardiovascular problems, respiratory problems, and skin conditions – as well as behavioral health issues – such as mental illness and substance use disorder. The stabilization center would give guests a place to rest, stabilize, and become healthier. The stabilization center would then connect guests to the most appropriate next step of their journey out of homelessness, such as behavioral health treatment, transitional housing, or permanent housing.
Read the Proposal: Open a Stabilization Center
Homeless Shelter: The Women’s Center
Homeless women, who represent approximately 34% of San Francisco’s unhoused population, are in critical need of safety, yet only 5% of the city’s homeless shelter and housing are designed specifically for women. The second proposal, led by Community Forward SF, proposes to launch a Women’s Center, a positive space where anyone who identifies as a woman can find housing, safety, healthy food, and a sense of community. The Center would provide women with immediate care and help them find a path to mental health support, long-term housing, and job opportunities.
Read the Proposal: Open a Women’s Center
Other Great Ideas for San Francisco
The Chronicle project included other great ideas for San Francisco on topics such as affordable housing, public safety, a downtown university, City hiring practices, and downtown revitalization.
Next Steps: Advocate for Great Ideas
City Hall should know that residents support innovative ideas to address our most serious problems. We will let you know about opportunities to advocate for these great ideas. Stay tuned!.