San Francisco is facing criticism over its approach to homelessness and drug addiction, particularly in relation to the Housing First policy and harm reduction strategies. A nonprofit linked to the city's Human Rights Commission bribery scandal is facing shutdown. Despite millions in funding from philanthropist Daniel Lurie and the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, organizations like Episcopal Community Services have reported high numbers of overdose deaths. Critics highlight the impact of fentanyl, which has contributed to increased overdose fatalities, including deaths in permanent supportive housing and shelter-in-place hotels where substances like alcohol, marijuana, and cigarettes were reportedly distributed to residents. These hotels experienced approximately a 10% overdose death rate. Local progressive leaders, including Supervisor Dean Preston, have been criticized for policies allowing drug use and dealing in shelters without restrictions. There are calls for a shift towards accountability and recovery-focused models, as some argue current harm reduction approaches have failed to address the crisis effectively. The situation has also raised concerns about public safety, including exposure of children, elders, and pets to fentanyl smoke and related crime. Meanwhile, San Francisco's downtown recovery shows signs of acceleration, though the homelessness and overdose challenges persist.
Why is this allowed @DanielLurie — and why are children, elders, and dogs subjected to fentanyl smoke and crime? Why can’t you clean this up like you promised during your campaign? The honeymoon is over big time. https://t.co/C4JseTSdgF
The leader of San Francisco Homeless Industrial Complex https://t.co/OzoO4ZJcoG
To recap: > During COVID SF progressives led by Dean Preston made hotels house junkies for free > Progressives also insisted drugs/dealing be allowed in shelter, no strings attached > @sfgov insisted it would cost $409M for 3,300 people (??) > SF attorney @DavidChiu shrugs and https://t.co/GAPh6zRsQW