San Francisco launches caregiver support team to aid formerly homeless residents

San Francisco has launched a new pilot program aimed at supporting formerly homeless individuals living in permanent supportive housing. The initiative, known as the Collaborative Caregiver Support Team, was developed in partnership with the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing (HSH) and officially began on November 1, 2025, in the South of Market neighborhood. This program seeks to stabilize residents by connecting them with reliable in-home care, addressing their complex health needs that could jeopardize their housing stability.

The pilot program is set to expand to additional supportive housing sites in early January, with plans for further growth throughout the year. By facilitating easier enrollment in In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) and connecting participants to additional resources, such as those provided by HomeBridge, the program aims to prevent homelessness recurrence and enhance health outcomes for its participants.

In addition to this initiative, the meeting highlighted significant federal funding developments. The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) has allocated $3.36 million to the Department of Aging and Adult Services (DOS) for one-time expenditures until September 30, 2024. This funding will support various Older Americans Act programs, including nutrition, legal services, and health promotion, which primarily benefit individuals aged 60 and older. However, the DOS will need to plan carefully to ensure the effective use of these limited funds, as they will eventually expire.

Furthermore, the meeting discussed the upcoming Home Safe program, set to launch early next year in collaboration with the Institute on Aging. This program will provide intensive case management and eviction prevention services for individuals facing self-neglect while residing in supportive housing or shelters.

Overall, these initiatives reflect San Francisco's commitment to addressing homelessness and supporting vulnerable populations, with a focus on sustainable solutions and improved health outcomes. As the city moves forward, the effective utilization of federal funds and the success of pilot programs will be crucial in shaping the future of support services for its residents.