Committee advances $14.6M amendment for Henry Hotel supportive housing site

Supervisor Hillary Ronan and Vice Chair Mandelman considered an amendment Oct. 13 to continue ECS’ contract to operate the Henry Hotel as permanent supportive housing. Emily Cohen of the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing said the amendment would extend the agreement through June 30, 2025, increase the not‑to‑exceed amount to $14,600,000 and support additional months of operations, cost‑of‑doing‑business adjustments and one‑time tenant quality‑of‑life upgrades.

HSH reported the Henry Hotel includes 121 units, was 92.7 percent occupied at the time of presentation, and served 138 tenants in the last fiscal year including 27 new move‑ins. HSH said funding for the site comes from a combination of Continuum of Care federal funds, local dollars and tenant contributions.

Nick Menard of the Budget and Legislative Analyst noted generally good performance for this grant agreement, with past occupancy issues that have since been addressed and an insect infestation that subsequent monitoring found resolved. Supervisors asked about vacancy causes, tenant income sources, and goals for employment and movement through housing; HSH said supportive housing is intended as long‑term housing for adults who have experienced chronic homelessness and that the department measures client satisfaction, turnover and eviction rates to track success.

The committee unanimously forwarded the amendment to the Board with a positive recommendation.