Lawmakers in San Francisco have put forth a new bill that aims to allocate state funds towards drug-free housing options. This legislation, led by supervisors Matt Dorsey and Rafael Mandelman, marks a shift from previous drug-tolerant policies, such as the 2016 California law known as Housing First, which favored drug-permissive housing.
During a recent news conference, Mandelman emphasized the importance of providing support for individuals experiencing homelessness to lead healthy and productive lives, rather than merely addressing immediate survival needs.
Experts like Stanford psychology professor Keith Humphreys have highlighted the benefits of recovery-oriented housing in helping individuals overcome substance use, secure employment, and avoid legal issues.
State Assemblymember Matt Haney has expressed his backing for directing state funding towards sober and recovery housing, particularly in light of the current fentanyl crisis. Haney stressed the significance of offering opportunities for individuals to embark on a path to recovery within drug-free residential communities.
Joshua Brathwaite, a supporter of sober housing measures, shared his personal struggle in finding drug-free housing that offers the necessary support for maintaining sobriety. He underscored the urgent need for accessible recovery resources to prevent relapse.
Jim Wunderman, President & CEO of the Bay Area Council, condemned the existing prohibition on state support for Recovery Housing projects, which forces homeless individuals with addiction issues to choose between unsafe street living and drug-permissive housing.
San Francisco Mayor London Breed has responded to public concerns about rising drug-related crime by advocating for a more aggressive law enforcement approach. This stance has led to a significant number of arrests of suspected drug users and dealers in the city over the past year.
Despite these arrests, only a small fraction of detainees have voluntarily sought substance abuse treatment post-arrest, indicating a need for more comprehensive support systems for individuals struggling with addiction.
