SAN FRANCISCO – City Hall announced today the opening of three new interim housing programs designed to prioritize recovery and stability for individuals experiencing homelessness and grappling with addiction. The initiatives,part of Mayor Daniel Lurie’s thorough “Breaking the Cycle” plan,will initially provide approximately 195 beds across three locations,with services expected to expand in the coming months.
New Facilities Offer Varied Levels of Support
Table of Contents
- 1. New Facilities Offer Varied Levels of Support
- 2. A Collaborative Approach to Recovery
- 3. partnerships with Experienced Providers
- 4. Understanding the Rise of recovery housing
- 5. Frequently Asked Questions About San Francisco’s Recovery Housing Programs
- 6. How does the city plan to address the simultaneous occurrence of mental health and substance use disorders within these new centers?
- 7. Mayor Lurie Commends Launch of New Recovery and Treatment Centers for Enhanced client Services
- 8. Expanding Access to Crucial Care: A City-Wide Initiative
- 9. Key Features of the New Centers
- 10. Addressing the Growing Need for Addiction Treatment
- 11. Enhanced Client Services: A Focus on Holistic Wellness
- 12. Impact on Community Health & Safety
- 13. Funding and Future Expansion Plans
- 14. Collaboration with Local Organizations
The Eleanora Fagan Center, formerly the Kean Hotel, has already begun welcoming residents and offers around 70 beds. Hope House, previously known as the Sharon Hotel, is set to open its doors on September 2nd, providing space for approximately 60 individuals. Wells Place, operating from the site of the former Marina Inn, will launch in early September and accommodate roughly 65 people.These programs represent a strategic shift towards offering tailored housing solutions within San Francisco’s continuum of care.
Mayor Lurie emphasized that this initiative is a fundamental transformation in the city’s approach to its dual crises of homelessness and behavioral health. he stated the programs are intended to offer the appropriate level of support for individuals striving to rebuild their lives and escape the streets.This includes bolstering integrated neighborhood outreach teams, securing $37.5 million in private funding thru the Breaking the Cycle Fund, and opening a 24/7 police-pleasant stabilization center.
A Collaborative Approach to Recovery
San Francisco’s Department of Public Health (DPH) Director Daniel Tsai highlighted the importance of pairing housing with on-site treatment and supportive services.”Our mission is to make recovery attainable and accessible for every San Franciscan, the moment they are ready,” Tsai said. The programs offer a spectrum of care, from immediate stabilization to longer-term recovery housing, creating a fully responsive system for those facing complex challenges.
Shireen McSpadden, Executive Director of the Department of homelessness and Supportive Housing (HSH), echoed this sentiment, stressing the need for dignified and supportive environments. McSpadden asserted that these new locations are crucial to offering a nurturing atmosphere where individuals can safely and effectively begin the process of rebuilding their lives.
to address gaps in the existing system, San Francisco has also opened short-term stabilization beds at 822 Geary Street and expanded longer-stay options at James Baldwin Place. Hope House and the Eleanora Fagan Center will offer 90-day sober living programs, while Wells Place will provide up to 24 months of drug-free post-treatment recovery housing.
partnerships with Experienced Providers
DPH and HSH have partnered with established non-profit organizations to operate the new facilities. Westside Community Services will manage the Eleanora Fagan Center, and The Salvation Army will oversee Hope House and Wells Place. Both organizations are recognized leaders in providing behavioral health services and recovery housing for unhoused individuals.
City officials have pledged to collaborate with local communities and implement “Good Neighbor” policies to ensure the new sites contribute positively to their surroundings. District 6 Supervisor Matt Dorsey, a person in long-term recovery himself, praised the shift towards drug-free and recovery-oriented options, emphasizing the need for safe environments for individuals pursuing recovery.
Steve Adami, Executive Director of The Salvation Army’s The Way Out, underscored the institution’s commitment to helping individuals overcome addiction and reclaim their lives, highlighting the blend of opportunity and accountability offered by the new programs. Cedric G.Akbar, Co-Founder of Positive Directions Equals Change and Director of Forensic Services at Westside Community Services, called for an end to open-air drug use and emphasized the importance of both healing and neighborhood restoration.
| Facility Name | Location | Capacity | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hope House | 226 Sixth Street | Approximately 60 beds | Recovery-focused shelter |
| The Eleanora Fagan Center | 1018 Mission Street | Approximately 70 beds | Health respite program |
| Wells Place | 3110 Octavia Street | Approximately 65 beds | Long-term recovery housing |
Understanding the Rise of recovery housing
The expansion of recovery housing reflects a growing national trend recognizing the critical link between stable housing and successful substance use disorder treatment. according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), stable housing is a key component of long-term recovery. Learn more about housing and addiction treatment from NIDA.
While the number of individuals experiencing homelessness in major U.S. cities remains high,innovative approaches like these are demonstrating a commitment to addressing the root causes and providing comprehensive support. What other cities are implementing similar initiatives to tackle homelessness and addiction?
Frequently Asked Questions About San Francisco’s Recovery Housing Programs
- What is the primary goal of these new housing programs? Providing safe,stable housing coupled with recovery and treatment services for individuals experiencing homelessness and addiction.
- What is the “Breaking the Cycle” plan? Mayor Lurie’s initiative to transform San Francisco’s response to the homelessness and behavioral health crisis through integrated services and targeted support.
- Who is operating the new facilities? Westside Community Services will operate the Eleanora Fagan Center, and The Salvation Army will operate Hope House and Wells place.
- What is the length of stay offered at each facility? the Eleanora Fagan Center offers 30-60 day stays, Hope House provides 90-day sober living, and Wells Place offers up to 24 months of housing.
- How will the city ensure these programs benefit the surrounding neighborhoods? Through implementation of HSH and DPH “Good Neighbor” policies and ongoing collaboration with community groups.
Do you think expanding access to recovery-focused housing is the most effective way to address homelessness in San Francisco? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
How does the city plan to address the simultaneous occurrence of mental health and substance use disorders within these new centers?
Mayor Lurie Commends Launch of New Recovery and Treatment Centers for Enhanced client Services
Expanding Access to Crucial Care: A City-Wide Initiative
Mayor Patricia Lurie has publicly lauded the opening of three new recovery and treatment centers across the city, marking a meaningful step forward in bolstering mental health and substance use disorder services. These centers, strategically located in underserved communities, aim to bridge the gap in access to vital care, offering a comprehensive suite of programs designed to support individuals on their journey to wellness. The initiative represents a $15 million investment, funded through a combination of city funds and private donations, demonstrating a strong commitment to public health.
Key Features of the New Centers
The newly established facilities aren’t simply buildings; they are hubs of integrated care. Each center offers a range of services, tailored to meet the diverse needs of the community.
Detoxification Services: Medically supervised detoxification programs provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals managing withdrawal symptoms.
Individual & Group Therapy: Licensed therapists offer both one-on-one counseling and group therapy sessions, utilizing evidence-based practices like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior therapy (DBT).
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): For those struggling with opioid or alcohol use disorders, MAT combines medication with counseling and behavioral therapies.
Residential treatment Programs: Extended residential programs offer a structured living environment with 24/7 support for individuals requiring intensive care.
Outpatient services: Flexible outpatient programs cater to individuals who are able to maintain their daily routines while receiving treatment.
Family Support Services: Recognizing the impact of addiction on families, the centers provide support groups and educational resources for loved ones.
telehealth Options: Expanding accessibility, telehealth services offer remote counseling and support for individuals facing geographical or logistical barriers.
Addressing the Growing Need for Addiction Treatment
The launch of these centers comes at a critical time. Recent data from the City Health Department reveals a concerning rise in substance use disorder-related emergency room visits and overdose deaths. The opioid crisis continues to impact communities nationwide, and the pandemic has exacerbated existing mental health challenges.These new facilities are designed to address this escalating need, providing timely and effective intervention.specifically, the centers will focus on increasing access to addiction recovery, mental health treatment, and substance abuse counseling.
Enhanced Client Services: A Focus on Holistic Wellness
Mayor Lurie emphasized the importance of a holistic approach to recovery. “We’re not just treating the addiction; we’re treating the whole person,” she stated during the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Westside Recovery Center. This philosophy is reflected in the centers’ commitment to providing wraparound services, including:
Vocational Training: Programs to help clients develop job skills and secure employment.
Housing Assistance: Connections to affordable housing options to ensure stable living environments.
Legal Aid: Assistance with navigating legal challenges related to addiction or mental health.
Peer Support Groups: Opportunities to connect with others in recovery and build a supportive community.
Nutritional Counseling: Guidance on healthy eating habits to support physical and mental well-being.
Impact on Community Health & Safety
Beyond the direct benefits to individuals seeking treatment, these centers are expected to have a positive ripple effect on the broader community. Increased access to behavioral health services can led to:
Reduced crime rates
Decreased homelessness
Improved public safety
A stronger workforce
Reduced strain on emergency services
Funding and Future Expansion Plans
The initial $15 million investment covers the construction and staffing of the three new centers. The city is actively seeking additional funding through grants and private partnerships to expand services and perhaps open additional facilities in the future. A key priority is to increase access to dual diagnosis treatment – addressing both mental health and substance use disorders together. The city is also exploring innovative approaches to addiction prevention*, including school-based programs and community outreach initiatives.
Collaboration with Local Organizations
The success of this initiative hinges on strong collaboration with local organizations. The city has partnered with several non-profit agencies, hospitals, and community groups to provide a seamless continuum of care. These partnerships ensure that clients receive the support they need, from initial assessment to long-term aftercare. Key partners include the County Behavioral Health Department, the local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), and several faith-based organizations.
