Tenderloin Center reports 43,000 visits, 81 overdose reversals and no site deaths; lease extension and improved data capture planned

The Department of Public Health’s Tenderloin Center (TLC) reported robust use and key harm‑reduction outcomes at the Health Commission meeting May 17.

Program manager Krista Gaeta said the TLC—opened in response to a mayoral state of emergency in the Tenderloin—has recorded more than 43,000 visits, with a daily average topping 430 guests last week and a day that reached roughly 520 unique visitors. The site offers meals, showers, laundry, basic medical care, harm‑reduction supplies, service navigation and housing assessment and seeks to serve Tenderloin residents who use drugs and are at high risk of overdose.

Gaeta said staff and partners have recorded 81 overdose reversals at the site and that there have been no site deaths. The TLC reported about 1,700 recorded referrals and 242 documented connections; Gaeta acknowledged that earlier reporting systems undercounted services and that new, more user‑friendly forms and data processes rolled out May 16 will improve capture of on‑site activities, housing assessments and benefits assistance.

Gaeta said the TLC team is seeking to extend its lease and obtain budget approval to move the lease from DEM to DPH as of July 1; she expected the Board of Supervisors to consider the lease extension at upcoming hearings. Staff also said they would expand outdoor space and strengthen service navigation and partner coordination.

Commissioners praised the rapid rollout and asked for continued improvements in metrics, data capture and tracking of referrals to confirm linkages to housing and treatment.