SF committee advances ordinance to codify shelter grievance process

The Government Audit and Oversight Committee on April 2022 voted to send to the full San Francisco Board of Supervisors an ordinance that would codify the city's shelter grievance policy, creating a formal advisory committee and a two‑stage appeals process for clients of city‑funded shelters.

Board President Shimon Walton, the ordinance's sponsor, told the committee the policy dates to an administrative adoption on 04/23/1992 and has been administered by the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing since 08/25/2016. Walton said codifying the policy would prevent unnecessary exits to the street and "guarantee that we provide an opportunity for someone who may end up on the street to have their day in court." He added, "we can confidently tell unhoused folks, just because you enter a shelter, doesn't mean you give up your rights." (Shimon Walton)

The measure drew extensive public support. Dozens of advocates, shelter client advocates and people with lived experience told the committee the grievance process is a long‑standing protection that was effectively suspended during the COVID‑era changes to shelter operations — especially changes that affected SIP (shelter‑in‑place) hotels. Alyona Binder of Glide said the suspension "directly led to the distressing reality that many shelter in place hotel guests ... were exited from the SIP hotels with no formal appeal process" and that some guests subsequently lost access to permanent housing. (Alyona Binder)

Supervisor Rafael Mandelmann acknowledged the policy's intent but expressed concern that codifying detailed grievance procedures by ordinance could make it harder to stand up new shelters quickly during future emergencies. Mandelmann said he was "not sure that it makes sense to codify this policy" and worried about regulatory burdens when rapid shelter expansion is needed. President Walton, Vice Chair Connie Chan and Chair Dean Preston countered that the committee heard no providers testify that the codified process would prevent opening necessary shelter sites and that restoring a uniform appeals process is critical to ensuring consistent, transparent operations across shelter providers.

Chair Preston moved to send the ordinance to the full Board with a positive recommendation; the committee approved the motion and will forward the item for consideration by the full Board, which the clerk said is expected to receive items acted on today on 2022-04-19. The committee record reflects the motion advanced in committee following the roll call.

Next steps: the ordinance will go to the full Board of Supervisors for consideration on the full Board agenda.