San Francisco Board of Supervisors pushes for urgent CART implementation to address homelessness

The San Francisco County Board of Supervisors convened on July 4, 2025, to discuss the urgent implementation of the Compassionate Alternate Response Team (CART), a community-based initiative aimed at addressing homelessness and related social issues without police intervention. The meeting highlighted significant community concerns regarding the stalled rollout of CART, which had received unanimous support from the Board and was partially funded last year.

The session began with public comments emphasizing the need for immediate action on CART. Several speakers expressed frustration over the lack of progress, noting that the allocated $3 million in funding has remained untouched for over a year. Advocates argued that the current reliance on police responses to homelessness is ineffective and often inhumane, calling for a compassionate approach that prioritizes health and social services.

Kenneth, a recent alumnus of the University of San Francisco, underscored the importance of implementing CART to create a humane response to the needs of unhoused individuals. He criticized the delays in execution, stating that the community has waited long enough for a solution that was designed to be responsive to their needs. Other speakers echoed this sentiment, urging the Board to act swiftly to avoid further bureaucratic delays.

The discussion also touched on the broader implications of homelessness in San Francisco, with residents voicing concerns about safety and the need for effective services to support both the unhoused and the surrounding community. Many emphasized that addressing homelessness requires a multifaceted approach, including mental health support and addiction services, rather than punitive measures.

In response to the public outcry, Director Carroll indicated that the goal is to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) by September, aiming for a pilot program to commence by January 2026. This timeline was met with cautious optimism from the Board members, who acknowledged the need for clear metrics to evaluate the program's success once implemented.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from the Board to continue monitoring the progress of CART and to ensure that the necessary resources are allocated effectively. The urgency expressed by community members and advocates reflects a growing consensus that immediate action is required to address the complex issues surrounding homelessness in San Francisco.