San Francisco budget advocates demand $24.7M cut from sheriff's funding
June 25, 2021 | San Francisco County, California
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During a recent San Francisco County government meeting, community members voiced urgent requests for budget adjustments aimed at addressing pressing social issues, particularly homelessness and public health. The discussions highlighted a strong demand for reallocating funds to support essential services and community programs.
One of the most significant calls came from Glide, a local organization advocating for social justice, which urged the Board of Supervisors to reduce the sheriff's budget by $24.7 million. This request aligns with the recent closure of a county jail and aims to redirect funds towards community-based solutions for homelessness, which were notably absent from the proposed budget. Advocates emphasized the need for permanent housing solutions, including vouchers and subsidies, to support those experiencing homelessness.
Millie Atkinson, representing the San Francisco Immigrant Legal Defense Collaborative, expressed gratitude for the board's commitment to funding legal services for immigrants. She highlighted the importance of maintaining a 24-hour rapid response hotline for asylum seekers, particularly children reuniting with families in the Bay Area. Atkinson also called for full funding of the budget justice coalition, which includes proposed cuts to policing.
The meeting also featured calls for increased funding for public sanitation facilities. Advocates stressed the critical need for 24-hour accessible bathrooms, citing a public health crisis stemming from inadequate sanitation options. John Stiefel, a homeless advocate, pointed out that access to water and sanitation is a fundamental human right, urging the board to restore and expand funding for public bathrooms.
Additionally, community members rallied for the full funding of the Compassionate Alternative Response Team (CART), which provides a non-police response to homelessness. Speakers argued that a police response is often harmful and ineffective, advocating for a community-based approach to address homelessness and related issues.
As the meeting concluded, it was clear that residents are calling for a shift in budget priorities to better serve vulnerable populations. The discussions reflect a growing consensus that investing in community resources, rather than punitive measures, is essential for fostering a healthier and more equitable San Francisco. The Board of Supervisors will need to consider these requests as they finalize the budget, with the potential to significantly impact the lives of many residents.
One of the most significant calls came from Glide, a local organization advocating for social justice, which urged the Board of Supervisors to reduce the sheriff's budget by $24.7 million. This request aligns with the recent closure of a county jail and aims to redirect funds towards community-based solutions for homelessness, which were notably absent from the proposed budget. Advocates emphasized the need for permanent housing solutions, including vouchers and subsidies, to support those experiencing homelessness.
Millie Atkinson, representing the San Francisco Immigrant Legal Defense Collaborative, expressed gratitude for the board's commitment to funding legal services for immigrants. She highlighted the importance of maintaining a 24-hour rapid response hotline for asylum seekers, particularly children reuniting with families in the Bay Area. Atkinson also called for full funding of the budget justice coalition, which includes proposed cuts to policing.
The meeting also featured calls for increased funding for public sanitation facilities. Advocates stressed the critical need for 24-hour accessible bathrooms, citing a public health crisis stemming from inadequate sanitation options. John Stiefel, a homeless advocate, pointed out that access to water and sanitation is a fundamental human right, urging the board to restore and expand funding for public bathrooms.
Additionally, community members rallied for the full funding of the Compassionate Alternative Response Team (CART), which provides a non-police response to homelessness. Speakers argued that a police response is often harmful and ineffective, advocating for a community-based approach to address homelessness and related issues.
As the meeting concluded, it was clear that residents are calling for a shift in budget priorities to better serve vulnerable populations. The discussions reflect a growing consensus that investing in community resources, rather than punitive measures, is essential for fostering a healthier and more equitable San Francisco. The Board of Supervisors will need to consider these requests as they finalize the budget, with the potential to significantly impact the lives of many residents.
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