San Francisco unveils first aging and disability housing needs assessment report

The San Francisco City Council convened on July 4, 2025, to discuss critical issues surrounding aging and disability, particularly focusing on the housing needs assessment for low-income older adults and individuals with disabilities. The meeting featured presentations from various city departments, emphasizing the collaborative effort to address the pressing housing crisis affecting these vulnerable populations.

The session began with an introduction from Vice Chair Janet Spears, who acknowledged the contributions of fellow commissioners and the importance of the discussions ahead. Izzy Claytor, a senior planning analyst from the San Francisco Human Services Agency, presented the findings from the newly published 2022 Aging and Disability Affordable Housing Needs Assessment. This report marks the first comprehensive evaluation of unmet housing needs for low-income seniors and adults with disabilities, developed through collaboration among five city departments.

Claytor outlined the background of the report, which was mandated by an ordinance passed in December 2020. The assessment aims to identify barriers these populations face in accessing affordable housing and to propose actionable recommendations. Key findings highlighted the severe lack of affordable and accessible housing, with over 40,000 adults with disabilities and seniors experiencing rent burdens, defined as spending more than 30% of their income on housing.

The report identified several critical recommendations, including the need for housing agencies to prioritize accessible units for individuals with disabilities and to enhance outreach efforts to ensure these opportunities are visible to those in need. Additionally, the assessment called for increased investment in supportive services to mitigate housing instability.

Executive Director Kelly Dearman discussed the next steps for implementing the report's recommendations. As the Department of Disability and Aging Services (DAS) transitions from its role as facilitator, individual departments will begin planning for the necessary resources to adopt these recommendations. The steering committee will continue to engage with the community and present findings to the Board of Supervisors, ensuring a feedback loop is established to refine the assessment process.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to strengthen interdepartmental collaboration and improve coordination of affordable housing resources, addressing the systemic silos that currently hinder effective service delivery. The council's ongoing efforts reflect a dedicated approach to tackling the housing crisis faced by San Francisco's aging and disabled populations, aiming for a more inclusive and accessible city.