One in 100 people living in San Francisco are without a home (SF.gov). While San Francisco is home to numerous of the elite of Silicon Valley and the tech world, it also harbors one of the largest populations of unsheltered homeless compared to the city population in America.
Homelessness is not a new phenomenon in San Francisco. In fact, the last seven mayors have all made efforts to address the issue. However, historically, they have been mostly ineffective as the issue persists into 2025.
The issue stems from a combination of major cuts of funding from the government, increasing numbers of Vietnam vets in need of aid, increasing price of homes, and a spike in unemployment due to a national recession in the late 1970s through the early 80s, which created a perfect combination resulting in a sudden surge of homeless in the United States, and particularly San Francisco.
In 2018, the city of San Francisco spent $300 million on homeless prevention, yet the homeless population failed to subdue (KQED).
So, how does a San Francisco mayor effectively aid the homeless crisis? By creating meticulous pro-help legislation that hits the
problem at its core: the high cost of living in San Francisco and economic hardship.
In August, Daniel Lurie’s administration launched three recovery-focused temporary housing programs. These serve those in need in their journey from substance abuse and homelessness to long-term life stability.
This is one of the numerous measures of Lurie’s “Breaking the Cycle,” which has created section-based street outreach teams and stabilization centers and new methods for connecting those in need of treatment as well as increased the recovery and aid bed capacity.
What makes this type of aid effective is that it supports those who are actively trying to leave homelessness and improve their conditions. In addition, the comprehensive nature ensures all
aspects of the needy are met.
According to the SF Department of Public Health Daniel Thai, “By pairing housing with onsite treatment and supportive services we are breaking the cycle and setting a new standard for how cities address homelessness and addiction” (SF.gov).
The effects of these novel measures are most definitely felt
in the city. According to Mission Local, since 2020, the number of homeless has decreased by approximately 87 percent since its peak of 1,208 tent-adjacent structures in April 2020, compared to the current one 165 in June 2025.
Lurie said, “[Breaking the Cycle] will break the cycle of homelessness, addiction, and government failure by transforming our homelessness and behavioral health response. My administration is beginning a new era of accountability and will deliver outcomes that get people off the street and into stability” (SF.gov).
While homelessness is still an ongoing problem in San Francisco, new policies with Mayor Lurie are affecting true, and very likely, lasting change in the issue.
