Rules Committee amends and continues Homeward Bound ordinance for further departmental review

The Rules Committee on March 11 amended an ordinance to make San Francisco's Homeward Bound relocation program a permanent part of the Administrative Code and continued the matter to the March 18 Rules Committee meeting to allow the Human Services Agency (HSA) and the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing (HSH) to provide additional service numbers.

Supervisor Safaie said the program, once one of the city's most successful, served roughly 1,000 people per year at its height but has declined to fewer than a few hundred. He described the ordinance as a way to "elevate the program," add annual reporting and oversight, and expand eligibility to people at risk of homelessness and some who are in transitional permanent supportive housing. "On average for less than $200 per person, this allows people to reunify with their family," Safaie said.

The committee voted to amend the ordinance to expand the universe of individuals who may be served; roll call showed 'aye' votes from Supervisors Preston, Safaie and Vice Chair Walton, and the amendment passed without objection. The committee then voted to continue the amended item to the March 18 Rules Committee meeting to permit HSA and HSH to present additional numbers and clarifications.

Supervisor Safaie thanked HSA and HSH staff (including Trent Rohr, Susie Smith, Dylan Schneider and Emily Cohen) and advocacy partners such as Rescue SF and the Coalition on Homelessness for their input. No public speakers addressed the amendment at the March 11 hearing.