San Francisco supervisors have voted to prioritize drug-free permanent supportive housing, marking a shift away from the city’s previous approach. The ordinance, authored by Supervisor Matt Dorsey, will ensure that the city departs from its mostly one-track housing model, in which most tenants are protected from eviction for illicit drug use.

Background

The state’s ‘Housing First’ framework has guided the city’s approach to supportive housing, lowering barriers to entry for people experiencing homelessness, regardless of drug use. However, Supervisor Dorsey has argued that this approach has not served the needs of many residents seeking to stabilize their lives as they exit homelessness.

The new ordinance will bar the city from wholly funding future permanent supportive housing projects if they allow drug use on site. Residents who use illicit drugs while living in city or privately funded supportive housing could face eviction or relocation to another housing or shelter option.

Reactions

Supervisors Shamann Walton, Connie Chan, Chyanne Chen, and Jackie Fielder voted against the bill, with Fielder expressing concerns that evictions could relocate residents into shelters instead of permanent housing. Fielder also requested an amendment to remove shelters as relocation options, which failed.

As a staunch advocate for ‘recovery-first’ addiction policies, Dorsey believes the new ordinance will provide stable housing options for those who are chronically homeless and facing substance use disorders.

Original reporting: Mission Local — read the source article.