Budget committee backs one-year, reduced extension for Community Forward SF contract

Supervisor Hillary Ronan, chair of the Board of Supervisors Budget & Finance Committee, said the committee voted May 25 to amend and forward to the full Board a resolution that shortens and reduces a Department of Public Health agreement with Community Forward SF Inc.

The action responds to loss of a lease at one of Community Forward’s programs, The Woman’s Place, which department and provider staff said was sold on May 17. Emily Ruggles, representing Community Forward, told the committee the organization needs a one-year amendment so it can continue staffing at a shelter-in-place hotel and reopen a women’s drop-in service at 1049 Howard Street while it secures a new site. “The one year extension will allow us to continue staffing and services at a shelter-in-place hotel,” Ruggles said during the presentation.

The Budget Legislative Analyst recommended reducing the originally proposed not-to-exceed amount; the committee adopted an amendment lowering the contract cap to $13,100,000 and shortening the term from five years to one year. Chair Ronan made the motion to amend and then move the item to the full Board with a positive recommendation; the committee recorded the aye votes and forwarded the item.

Why it matters: Committee members said they wanted to avoid interruption of services for women who rely on the shelter and drop-in programs while the provider locates a new facility. Supervisors also asked the department and provider to return with progress updates—Chair Ronan said she expected to hear back in fewer than six months.

What’s next: The resolution, as amended, will appear on the full Board of Supervisors agenda. The department and the provider were asked to report back to the committee with updates on site location and operational plans.