In the past few years, homelessness and addiction have become critical issues in San Francisco, drawing intense scrutiny and political debate. Mayor Daniel Lurie, in office since early 2025, has adopted aggressive measures to address these challenges, often drawing comparisons to the policies of his predecessor, London Breed.
Lurie’s administration has launched initiatives, including a controversial ‘fentanyl emergency ordinance’ aimed at tackling the drug crisis that intertwines with homelessness. This ordinance allows the mayor greater autonomy in selecting vendors to manage city contracts related to addiction services and homelessness, bypassing the traditional public bidding process.
In stark contrast, during Breed’s tenure, the city witnessed widespread sweeps of homeless encampments, especially highlighted in July 2024 after significant legislative changes. Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s reversal of Grants Pass v. Johnson, which previously protected individuals from being displaced without alternative housing, the policies shifted dramatically.
Statewide pressure from Governor Gavin Newsom prompted major cities to intensify efforts to eliminate dangerous encampments, often leading to evictions without adequate shelter alternatives. San Francisco’s sweeping operations were heavily enforced by police, with outreach teams and city workers often outnumbering those displaced.
Visual narratives from locations like Willow Street provide a glimpse into the lives affected by these policies. As I documented these moments, I encountered individuals like Angelina Schaffert, who expressed her reluctance to seek shelter services due to safety concerns. “I have friends in the neighborhood, but I’m not going to a shelter. They’re not safe; people will steal your stuff when you’re not looking,” she explained.
The sentiments echoed throughout the community as more individuals returned to the streets just days after being cleared, illustrating the cyclical nature of displacement. An anonymous woman I spoke with emphasized the challenges of maintaining personal hygiene, stating, “There are porta-potties in the neighborhood, but those are padlocked every night.”
The situation on the streets is further complicated by substance use and mental health issues that many of those living in encampments face. Smokey, who was witnessed helping a disabled individual, described his dependence on drugs as a debilitating cycle, stating, “I can’t function anymore without it. I might as well be in jail because these drugs keep you here and make it impossible to leave.”
Mike, another individual living in his RV for nearly a decade, shared a different perspective. Although he benefited from the city’s navigation centers, he voiced concerns about isolation stemming from strict regulations and distant locations that hindered social connections.
As 2025 progressed under Mayor Lurie’s administration, the focus on addiction treatment escalated. The establishment of a triage center on Sixth Street aimed to integrate social services and policing in a new approach to homelessness and drug use. However, reactions from the community have been mixed. The facility, meant to provide support, is frequently dismissed by those experiencing homelessness due to the police presence.
Nicole, a resident near the new center, expressed her frustration over the city’s resources, noting, “They have so many resources but don’t use them well. The triage center has done little to help me; they hand out some food, but on some days, they don’t even have food. They got hot water, but no tea. Apple, but no sauce.”
Many individuals living in these dire circumstances call for more humane treatment and practical solutions, emphasizing that coercive methods for treatment only exacerbate anxiety and frustration. “You can’t force someone to get sober; it builds up frustration, and when they leave treatment, they go right back to using,” Nicole articulated.
This approach stands in contrast to research suggesting that clearing encampments can lead to adverse public health effects, including increased mortality due to overdoses and health complications. Underlying issues, including mental health challenges and substance dependence, remain unresolved.
Statistics reveal a disheartening trend in homelessness in San Francisco. The Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing reports a significant inflow into homelessness, indicating that for every individual assisted into housing, nearly three more become homeless. This alarming ratio underscores the systemic challenges facing the city.
The tailored responses by Lurie’s administration raise critical questions about the efficacy of these strategies. As evidenced by the stories of individuals like Cari Manalac, who transitioned into stable housing after significant health challenges, there is hope amidst the turbulence. Cari reported a positive change since moving to a studio apartment away from high drug-use areas, highlighting the need for sustainable housing solutions.
Yet, the fear of violence remains a significant barrier for many. Cari recounted the complications arising from traumatic experiences in shelter settings, emphasizing the need for safe spaces for individuals to share and address these issues.
Reports from local outreach confirm that despite the city’s wide array of services aimed at combating homelessness and substance abuse, the issues persist. The systems in place cringe under demands that exceed their capabilities, revealing a recurring theme of unmet needs among vulnerable populations.
In conclusion, the struggle against homelessness and addiction in San Francisco is far from resolved. Ongoing efforts by city officials to navigate this landscape show a commitment to change, yet the voices of those on the street reveal a disconcerting reality. As the city grapples with policy shifts and their implications for the homeless, it remains imperative that a more empathetic and resourceful approach be pursued to truly address these profound societal challenges.
image source from：https://missionlocal.org/2025/06/sf-homeless-sweeps-tenderloin-soma-photos/
