SF supes approve unhoused relocation program

SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — The San Francisco Board of Supervisors approved a program to help homeless individuals get back to their hometowns and families. Officials said this program will help the homeless crisis in the city at the same time.

The passing of the ordinance could allow hundreds of unhoused people, or those living in shelters, to head back to their hometown rather than struggling on the streets of San Francisco. But the big question is do people want to leave?

It’s called the Homeward Bound Program. It was initiated back in 2005 by California Governor Gavin Newsom when he was serving as San Francisco’s mayor.

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The program provides homeless individuals in San Francisco with travel and relocation assistance. The end goal is to clean the city’s streets and allow unhoused people the chance to go back to their hometowns and reunite with family.

SF Supervisor Ahsha Safaí, who represents District 11, said in recent years the programs only assisted a few hundred people, while years ago it assisted around 11,000 people. The difference is why he’s proposed the changes; to make sure it gets used.

How or when officials will begin to implement and use these resources to send people back home is still unknown.

Supervisor Safaí said those choosing to participate oftentimes live within California and costs the city less than $200. Safaí said it’s a win-win and strengthens the support network for program participants and saves social services costs to the city.

Supervisor Safaí is a declared candidate for the 2024 San Francisco mayoral election.

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