San Francisco Board discusses funding for community-led homelessness response CART
June 10, 2021 | San Francisco County, California
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The San Francisco County Public Safety Neighborhood Services Committee convened on July 4, 2025, to discuss the proposed Community Action Response Team (CART), a non-police initiative aimed at addressing homelessness in the city. The meeting highlighted strong community support for CART, which advocates for a compassionate, community-led response to homelessness, contrasting sharply with traditional police interventions.
Key discussions centered around the need for a non-carceral approach to homelessness, with several callers emphasizing the detrimental effects of police involvement in such situations. Advocates argued that police responses often exacerbate trauma and do not effectively address the needs of unhoused individuals. Many speakers shared personal experiences illustrating the inadequacies of current systems, calling for a shift towards community-based solutions that prioritize care over criminalization.
Supporters of CART, including community organizers and residents, urged the committee to reallocate funds from the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) budget to support this initiative. They argued that CART would not only provide necessary services but also save the city money in the long run by reducing reliance on police responses, which they deemed inefficient and harmful.
The committee heard from various stakeholders, including representatives from the Coalition on Homelessness and the Mental Health Association of San Francisco, who underscored the importance of peer-led support in addressing homelessness. They highlighted that individuals with lived experience are better equipped to connect with those in crisis and provide the necessary assistance.
Despite the overwhelming support for CART, some committee members raised concerns about implementation details and the need for collaboration with existing emergency services. However, the overall sentiment was one of urgency, with many calling for immediate action to fund and implement CART.
In closing remarks, Supervisor Haney expressed commitment to advancing the CART proposal, acknowledging the need for a more effective response to homelessness that aligns with community values. The committee's discussions reflect a significant shift towards prioritizing community-led solutions in addressing homelessness in San Francisco, marking a potential turning point in the city's approach to this pressing issue.
Key discussions centered around the need for a non-carceral approach to homelessness, with several callers emphasizing the detrimental effects of police involvement in such situations. Advocates argued that police responses often exacerbate trauma and do not effectively address the needs of unhoused individuals. Many speakers shared personal experiences illustrating the inadequacies of current systems, calling for a shift towards community-based solutions that prioritize care over criminalization.
Supporters of CART, including community organizers and residents, urged the committee to reallocate funds from the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) budget to support this initiative. They argued that CART would not only provide necessary services but also save the city money in the long run by reducing reliance on police responses, which they deemed inefficient and harmful.
The committee heard from various stakeholders, including representatives from the Coalition on Homelessness and the Mental Health Association of San Francisco, who underscored the importance of peer-led support in addressing homelessness. They highlighted that individuals with lived experience are better equipped to connect with those in crisis and provide the necessary assistance.
Despite the overwhelming support for CART, some committee members raised concerns about implementation details and the need for collaboration with existing emergency services. However, the overall sentiment was one of urgency, with many calling for immediate action to fund and implement CART.
In closing remarks, Supervisor Haney expressed commitment to advancing the CART proposal, acknowledging the need for a more effective response to homelessness that aligns with community values. The committee's discussions reflect a significant shift towards prioritizing community-led solutions in addressing homelessness in San Francisco, marking a potential turning point in the city's approach to this pressing issue.
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