We, the undersigned members of the community, hereby express our strong opposition to the proposed conversion of the property located at 1174-1178 Folsom Street into permanent supportive housing for young adults exiting homelessness. We firmly believe that this project is not in the best interest of our community, and we urge you to reconsider this proposal.

The project will: 

• Utilize $28m of taxpayer money to house only 42 individuals in a luxury building - while displacing the existing tenants
• Needles and crack pipes will be distributed onsite as part of “harm reduction” policy
• Exposes vulnerable housing project residents to drugs dealers and addicts

This issue merits a broader discussion about equity and all neighborhoods in San Francisco pulling their weight to address this crisis. To further illustrate the pressure on District 6, a Google Maps search of “supportive housing” reveals a high concentration of shelters and supportive housing throughout SoMa West, while hardly any resources are contributed from other districts, particularly west of Van Ness Avenue. See image below:

 

In addition, note these large scale permanent supportive housing projects from the city’s recent buying spree within blocks of 1174 Folsom:

• 1321 Mission; 160 total units
• 1064 Mission; 256 total units
• 333 12th Street; 200 units
• 201 8th Street; serving 200 individuals 

It is not equitable to concentrate all supportive housing services into a small area of a city. We need our supervisors and city leaders to recognize and address this issue prior to bringing more housing services online.

We, the undersigned, express our deep concerns regarding the proposed housing project at 1174 Folsom. We believe it is essential to present the facts and statistics that raise valid issues surrounding this development:

• The implementation of this project will result in the displacement of existing tenants. According to available documentation, $1.8 million has been allocated for buy-outs of 34 individuals currently residing at the property. This displacement raises serious concerns about the well-being and stability of these individuals, who will be uprooted from their homes.
• The current system allows youth to reside in the project without being required to work or pay rent. The project's funding covers rent entirely for unemployed individuals and only requires a maximum of 30% income contribution from those with jobs. This lack of incentive to work contributes to a significant percentage of youth being unemployed and not attending school, as highlighted in the HSH presentation.
• It is alarming that there are no mandatory illegal drug tests or on-site requirements for drug abstinence. The adoption of a harm reduction approach by the 24/7 staff is a concerning practice, especially considering the potential financial strain on the city to sustain this level of care, which has previously proven unsustainable in similar housing projects.
• Transparency and community involvement have been lacking in the decision-making process. Not all residents and businesses were adequately informed about the public session, and local businesses remain unaware and uninformed about this project. It is crucial to note that none of the local businesses in the area support its establishment.
• There are bars and clubs right next to this proposed site. There are drug dealers a stone throw away. These are transitional youth between 18-24. Care to guess the ODs in unit, and the drug use / loitering in neighborhood alleyways?
• Numerous housing programs already exist within a 0.5-mile radius of the proposed project. It is unfair to burden the residents, homeowners, and businesses in this particular community. This community has already provided substantial support for housing projects, including the presence of a large shelter, The Sanctuary, located just around the corner.
• During the public discussion session, the only supporters of this project were other non-profit organizations that stand to benefit from its implementation. It is ethically questionable to rely solely on their input while disregarding the thoughts and concerns of the residents, who live, raise children, and support businesses in the West Soma community. No resident or local business expressed support for this project.
• There is a lack of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) or clear guidelines to ensure the project respects the neighborhood and implements good neighborhood policies. The experience of living next to The Sanctuary has shown that individuals may be released onto the streets, resulting in disturbances, including drug use, and disturbing the sleep of neighboring residents. Similar concerns exist regarding this new project.
• Many residents, particularly those with young children or planning to start families, are seriously considering leaving San Francisco due to this proposed project. This sentiment was apparent during the public discussion, with many expressing their intention to relocate. Alienating tax-paying individuals who contribute significantly to the city's revenue is not a sound strategy. The potential loss of even a few residents from this block alone could have long-term negative effects on the city's financial stability.
• The expedited timeline and lack of meaningful public input in the process to purchase 1174 Folsom is concerning. Presenting the plan to the Board of Supervisors this month and completing the purchase by next month does not allow for adequate public

As concerned residents, we understand the importance of providing support and assistance to individuals experiencing homelessness. However, we believe that the chosen location for this project is highly unsuitable and raises legitimate concerns about the well-being and safety of our community. We respectfully request that you take our concerns into serious consideration and address the following points:

• Safety Concerns: The safety of our community members, particularly children and vulnerable populations, must be a top priority. The introduction of a housing facility for individuals with complex needs in a residential neighborhood poses significant safety risks. We are deeply concerned about the potential increase in crime, drug-related activities, and other undesirable behaviors that may compromise the security and tranquility of our community.Considering the proposed location for the Permanent Supportive Housing project, we have reservations regarding its proximity to schools, parks, and residential areas. The presence of a housing facility in such close proximity raises concerns about the potential impact on the safety and security of our community members, particularly vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly. We firmly believe that alternative locations that strike a better balance between providing support and preserving community well-being can be identified through open and inclusive dialogue.
• Insufficient Infrastructure and Resources: Our community already faces challenges in terms of limited resources and infrastructure. The proposed project does not adequately address the strain it may place on existing resources, such as schools, healthcare facilities, transportation, and social services. Without proper planning and preparation, our community may become overwhelmed and ill-equipped to effectively support the needs of its residents.
• Lack of Community Engagement: The decision-making process concerning this project has lacked sufficient community engagement and consultation. We firmly believe that major initiatives like this should involve extensive community input, transparent communication, and meaningful dialogue. The virtual community meeting held on May 11, 2023, did not provide adequate opportunity for residents to voice their concerns and have them adequately addressed.
• Property Value Impact: The establishment of a supportive housing facility in close proximity to our homes may have adverse effects on property values. Prospective buyers and investors may be deterred from acquiring properties in the area, leading to a decline in property values for existing homeowners. This could result in financial hardships and loss of equity for families who have made significant investments in their homes.

In light of these concerns, we, the undersigned residents of this community, respectfully request that you reconsider the proposed conversion of the property at 1174-1178 Folsom Street into permanent supportive housing for young adults exiting homelessness. We urge you to explore alternative locations that are more suitable for this type of facility, taking into account factors such as existing infrastructure, proximity to necessary services, and appropriate zoning.

We would like to emphasize that our concerns are not rooted in opposition to supporting homeless individuals. On the contrary, we are passionate about finding effective solutions and assisting those experiencing homelessness in our city. However, we believe that careful consideration must be given to the location of such housing projects to ensure the safety and well-being of both the residents and the community as a whole.

In terms of addressing homelessness and supporting those in need, our community is eager to participate in constructive solutions. We believe in taking a comprehensive approach that combines housing initiatives with targeted social services, mental health support, job training, and other necessary resources. By investing in programs that provide not only housing but also empower individuals to rebuild their lives, we can create a sustainable path toward independence and reintegration into society. 

We petition you to carefully consider our concerns and engage in open and meaningful dialogue with the community. We are ready and willing to collaborate with you in finding alternative solutions that address the needs of the homeless population while ensuring the well-being and stability of our community.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. We trust that you will give our concerns the serious consideration they deserve and prioritize the best interests of our community in your decision-making process.