Garrett Leahy

Along San Francisco’s sidewalks, outdoor planters are becoming an ever more ubiquitous sight. But while some say they are just meant to beautify neighborhoods, others claim they are just the “latest fad” in designs meant to shuffle homeless people around the city without addressing homelessness itself.

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Along San Francisco’s sidewalks, outdoor planters are becoming an ever more ubiquitous sight. But while some say they are just meant to beautify neighborhoods, others claim they are just the “latest fad” in designs meant to shuffle homeless people around the city without addressing homelessness itself.

“They’re trying to zone us out,” said Josh Banez, who lives in an encampment at 13th and Isis streets. The sidewalk where Banez lives has 13 outdoor planters clustered together.&nbsp;

“They’re trying to zone us out,” said Josh Banez, who lives in an encampment at 13th and Isis streets. The sidewalk where Banez lives has 13 outdoor planters clustered together.&nbsp;

There are more than a dozen planters just on the sidewalk where Josh Banez lives.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG_5469.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-211863"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">There are more than a dozen planters just on the sidewalk where Josh Banez lives.</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG_5469.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-211863"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">There are more than a dozen planters just on the sidewalk where Josh Banez lives.</figcaption></figure>

“It makes me angry,” he said. “Like, can’t you just talk to us?”

“It makes me angry,” he said. “Like, can’t you just talk to us?”

Banez said that rather than blocking the sidewalk to stop encampments forming, providing them with trash cans and bathroom access would help them better keep the sidewalk clean.

Banez said that rather than blocking the sidewalk to stop encampments forming, providing them with trash cans and bathroom access would help them better keep the sidewalk clean.

“It’d be better if they’d just work with us,” he added.

“It’d be better if they’d just work with us,” he added.

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/07/10/garden-planters-deter-homeless-encampments/">Garden Planters To Deter Homeless Encampments Pop Up in Downtown San Francisco</a>

Garden planters to deter homeless encampments pop up in downtown San Francisco

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/07/10/garden-planters-deter-homeless-encampments/">Garden Planters To Deter Homeless Encampments Pop Up in Downtown San Francisco</a>

Ray Rosal, who also lives in the encampment, said the planters, along with a fence around a pole supporting the Central Freeway, appeared three weeks ago and displaced two tents and their residents, although he doesn’t know where they went.

Ray Rosal, who also lives in the encampment, said the planters, along with a fence around a pole supporting the Central Freeway, appeared three weeks ago and displaced two tents and their residents, although he doesn’t know where they went.

“I don’t really care,” Rosal said. “They’re going to block the street, I understand. It’s their business.”

“I don’t really care,” Rosal said. “They’re going to block the street, I understand. It’s their business.”

Genner Barrios’ truck was badly burned, along with at least five other vehicles, from an encampment fire on Stevenson Street near 14th Street. Barrios, who lives near where the fire happened, said he supports having planters block off encampments.

Genner Barrios’ truck was badly burned, along with at least five other vehicles, from an encampment fire on Stevenson Street near 14th Street. Barrios, who lives near where the fire happened, said he supports having planters block off encampments.

Genner Barrios’ truck was badly burned, along with at least five other vehicles, from an encampment fire on Stevenson Street near 14th Street.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG_5544.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-211869"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Genner Barrios’ truck was badly burned, along with at least five other vehicles, from an encampment fire by Stevenson and 14th streets.</figcaption></figure>

“I think it’s better to keep the area clean in case something happens,” Barrios said.

“I think it’s better to keep the area clean in case something happens,” Barrios said.

Noah Coombs, who lives in the Outer Mission, said while he’s sensitive to issues faced by people on their block due to encampments—including fire risks—he thinks there needs to be more action by the city to end homelessness.

Noah Coombs, who lives in the Outer Mission, said while he’s sensitive to issues faced by people on their block due to encampments—including fire risks—he thinks there needs to be more action by the city to end homelessness.

Noah Coombs said he doesn't support the planters and that the city needs to take bolder action to end homelessness.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG_5540.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-211868"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Noah Coombs said he doesn&#8217;t support the planters and that the city needs to take bolder action to end homelessness.
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG_5540.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-211868"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Noah Coombs said he doesn't support the planters and that the city needs to take bolder action to end homelessness.
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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG_5540.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-211868"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Noah Coombs said he doesn&#8217;t support the planters and that the city needs to take bolder action to end homelessness.
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“We can think through better solutions,” Coombs said. “We shouldn’t just move them along.”

“We can think through better solutions,” Coombs said. “We shouldn’t just move them along.”

The San Francisco Fire Department <a href="https://twitter.com/SFFDPIO/status/1713938149972553747" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">said on X</a> it is investigating the encampment fire.

The San Francisco Fire Department <a href="https://twitter.com/SFFDPIO/status/1713938149972553747" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">said on X</a> it is investigating the encampment fire.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hostile-architecture">‘Hostile Architecture’</h2>

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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hostile-architecture">‘Hostile Architecture’</h2>

Kelley Cutler, a former organizer with the Coalition on Homelessness, said the planters just shuffle homeless people around without actually addressing the root causes of homelessness.

Kelley Cutler, a former organizer with the Coalition on Homelessness, said the planters just shuffle homeless people around without actually addressing the root causes of homelessness.

“They’re popping up everywhere,” she said. “It seems to be the latest fad in hostile architecture. If the same effort was meant to help these folks, you could see them getting housed.”

“They’re popping up everywhere,” she said. “It seems to be the latest fad in hostile architecture. If the same effort was meant to help these folks, you could see them getting housed.”

Kelley Cutler listens while seated on a panel during a community meeting held at Balboa High School on Saturday, July 20, 2019. Cutler says the planters appearing around San Francisco are meant to shuffle unhoused people around the city.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/GettyImages-1298795325.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-211870"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Kelley Cutler, pictured here listening during a community panel on homelessness, says the planters appearing around San Francisco are meant to shuffle unhoused people around the city.</figcaption></figure>

Cutler pointed out that without regular upkeep, the planters would become “metal tins collecting trash.”

Cutler pointed out that without regular upkeep, the planters would become “metal tins collecting trash.”

SF Planters, an organization that facilitates San Francisco deliveries of the planters, advertises them as “beautiful and vibrant” and boasts that the ones spotted around the city weigh more than 1,000 pounds when filled with plants and soil. But it makes no mention of them as an anti-homeless tactic.

SF Planters, an organization that facilitates San Francisco deliveries of the planters, advertises them as “beautiful and vibrant” and boasts that the ones spotted around the city weigh more than 1,000 pounds when filled with plants and soil. But it makes no mention of them as an anti-homeless tactic.

On its <a href="https://www.sfplanters.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">website</a>, SF Planters says it works with businesses, homeowners or those “who just want to improve their neighborhood.”

On its <a href="https://www.sfplanters.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">website</a>, SF Planters says it works with businesses, homeowners or those “who just want to improve their neighborhood.”

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/21/san-francisco-planters-dubbed-hostile-architecture-what-locals-say/">San Francisco Homelessness: War Heats Up as Planters Dubbed ‘Hostile Architecture’</a>

San Francisco homelessness: War heats up as planters dubbed &#8216;hostile architecture’

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/21/san-francisco-planters-dubbed-hostile-architecture-what-locals-say/">San Francisco Homelessness: War Heats Up as Planters Dubbed ‘Hostile Architecture’</a>

San Francisco’s Department of Public Works said the planters do not need permits, as long as people can walk along the sidewalk.

San Francisco’s Department of Public Works said the planters do not need permits, as long as people can walk along the sidewalk.

“Our primary concern is that they do not impede an accessible path of travel,” Public Works spokesperson Rachel Gordon said.

“Our primary concern is that they do not impede an accessible path of travel,” Public Works spokesperson Rachel Gordon said.

Transportation advocate Scott Feeney countered that the planters violate city codes, pointing to a <a href="https://sfpublicworks.org/sites/default/files/4084-DPWOrder179231_container_guidlines.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Public Works order that states</a> that planters more than 36 inches high and across need permits, as do planters that are permanently affixed to the sidewalk.

Transportation advocate Scott Feeney countered that the planters violate city codes, pointing to a <a href="https://sfpublicworks.org/sites/default/files/4084-DPWOrder179231_container_guidlines.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Public Works order that states</a> that planters more than 36 inches high and across need permits, as do planters that are permanently affixed to the sidewalk.

Scott Feeney speaks during public comment at a Public Works Commission meeting on Oct. 6, 2023. Feeney claims outdoor plants appearing on San Francisco sidewalks are illegal anti-homeless barricades.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Screenshot-2023-10-17-at-12.15.48-AM.png?w=1808" alt="" class="wp-image-211871"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Scott Feeney claims outdoor plants appearing on San Francisco sidewalks are illegal anti-homeless barricades.</figcaption></figure>

“The city is trying to build tiny homes at 16th and Mission [streets], and those require permits,” Feeney said. “The city is slowing down housing, but expediting things that shuffle people from block to block.”

“The city is trying to build tiny homes at 16th and Mission [streets], and those require permits,” Feeney said. “The city is slowing down housing, but expediting things that shuffle people from block to block.”

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nebraska-planters">Nebraska Planters</h2>

Many of the planters spotted around San Francisco bear Behlen Country-branding. The planters are made by Behlen MFG, a Columbus, Nebraska-based manufacturing firm that owns Behlen Country. The company&#8217;s headquarters is 1,599 miles away from San Francisco.

Many of the planters spotted around San Francisco bear Behlen Country-branding. The planters are made by Behlen MFG, a Columbus, Nebraska-based manufacturing firm that owns Behlen Country. The company's headquarters is 1,599 miles away from San Francisco.

Many of the planters spotted around San Francisco bear Behlen Country-branding. The planters are made by Behlen MFG, a Columbus, Nebraska-based manufacturing firm that owns Behlen Country. The company&#8217;s headquarters is 1,599 miles away from San Francisco.

Rick Smith, a regional sales manager for a popular planter brand, Behlen Country, said he wasn’t aware of the reported tactic of using planters to block encampments from forming on the sidewalk.

Rick Smith, a regional sales manager for a popular planter brand, Behlen Country, said he wasn’t aware of the reported tactic of using planters to block encampments from forming on the sidewalk.

Behlen Country is a popular brand of outdoor planter used in San Francisco.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG_5490.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-211865"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Behlen Country is a popular brand of outdoor planter used in San Francisco.</figcaption></figure>

Smith said that despite the proliferation of outdoor planters, sales have decreased overall since the height of their popularity during the pandemic.

Smith said that despite the proliferation of outdoor planters, sales have decreased overall since the height of their popularity during the pandemic.

“Back then, everyone was trying to grow their own food, and there were a lot of restaurants going outdoors,” Smith said.

“Back then, everyone was trying to grow their own food, and there were a lot of restaurants going outdoors,” Smith said.

Smith said San Francisco likely makes up a very small percentage of total sales, with most being sold for agricultural use and livestock.

Smith said San Francisco likely makes up a very small percentage of total sales, with most being sold for agricultural use and livestock.

“They’re primarily for animal use,” Smith said. “The majority of them are sold in the country for livestock.”

“They’re primarily for animal use,” Smith said. “The majority of them are sold in the country for livestock.”

Behlen MFG did not respond to requests for comment. Neither did SF Planters founder Cody Cunnington.

Behlen MFG did not respond to requests for comment. Neither did SF Planters founder Cody Cunnington.

How planters shipped from 1,600 miles away are changing San Francisco’s homelessness debate

Homeless people in California are already a vulnerable group, often struggling with poor health, trauma and deep poverty before they lose their housing, according to a new study on adult homelessness.

Homeless people in California are already a vulnerable group, often struggling with poor health, trauma and deep poverty before they lose their housing, according to a new study on adult homelessness.

The study released Tuesday by the University of California San Francisco attempts to capture a comprehensive picture of how people become homeless in California, and what impeded their efforts at finding permanent housing. The representative survey of nearly 3,200 homeless people found that when they lost housing, their median household income was $960 a month, and for renters on leases, it was $1,400 a month, of which on average half went to rent.

The study released Tuesday by the University of California San Francisco attempts to capture a comprehensive picture of how people become homeless in California, and what impeded their efforts at finding permanent housing. The representative survey of nearly 3,200 homeless people found that when they lost housing, their median household income was $960 a month, and for renters on leases, it was $1,400 a month, of which on average half went to rent.

Homelessness is a national crisis, and all too pervasive in California, where an estimated 171,000 people—or 30% of all homeless people in the U.S.—are homeless. Political leaders are divided over how to address the crisis, with some, including <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/gavin-newsom-president-san-francisco-governor-biden-harris/">Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom</a>, favoring tent encampment sweeps and a tough-love approach toward those with mental health and addiction issues.

Homelessness is a national crisis, and all too pervasive in California, where an estimated 171,000 people—or 30% of all homeless people in the U.S.—are homeless. Political leaders are divided over how to address the crisis, with some, including <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/gavin-newsom-president-san-francisco-governor-biden-harris/">Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom</a>, favoring tent encampment sweeps and a tough-love approach toward those with mental health and addiction issues.

It it not groundbreaking news that the state&#8217;s exorbitant housing costs are a major driver behind homelessness, but researchers at the UCSF&#8217;s Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative hope that the study will strengthen public support for policies that focus on offering housing and emergency rental assistance—rather than policies emphasizing punishment or stigma.

It it not groundbreaking news that the state's exorbitant housing costs are a major driver behind homelessness, but researchers at the UCSF's Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative hope that the study will strengthen public support for policies that focus on offering housing and emergency rental assistance—rather than policies emphasizing punishment or stigma.

It it not groundbreaking news that the state&#8217;s exorbitant housing costs are a major driver behind homelessness, but researchers at the UCSF&#8217;s Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative hope that the study will strengthen public support for policies that focus on offering housing and emergency rental assistance—rather than policies emphasizing punishment or stigma.

&#8220;People are homeless because their rent is too high. And their options are too few. And they have no cushion,&#8221; said Dr. Margot Kushel, initiative director and lead investigator. &#8220;And it really makes you wonder how different things would look if we could solve that underlying problem.&#8221;

"People are homeless because their rent is too high. And their options are too few. And they have no cushion," said Dr. Margot Kushel, initiative director and lead investigator. "And it really makes you wonder how different things would look if we could solve that underlying problem."

&#8220;People are homeless because their rent is too high. And their options are too few. And they have no cushion,&#8221; said Dr. Margot Kushel, initiative director and lead investigator. &#8220;And it really makes you wonder how different things would look if we could solve that underlying problem.&#8221;

Kushel&#8217;s team surveyed nearly 3,200 adults around California and followed up to conduct in-depth interviews with 365 people, between October 2021 and November 2022.

Kushel's team surveyed nearly 3,200 adults around California and followed up to conduct in-depth interviews with 365 people, between October 2021 and November 2022.

Kushel&#8217;s team surveyed nearly 3,200 adults around California and followed up to conduct in-depth interviews with 365 people, between October 2021 and November 2022.

FILE - A homeless man sleeps on a discarded mattress in Los Angeles, July 21, 2022. Homeless people in California are already a vulnerable group, often struggling with poor health, trauma and deep poverty before they lose their housing, according to a new study on adult homelessness released Tuesday, June 20, 2023, by the University of California, San Francisco, aimed at capturing a comprehensive picture of how people become homeless in California. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File)

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/AP23167745192445-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-172799"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A homeless man sleeps on a discarded mattress in Los Angeles on July 21, 2022. | Jae C. Hong/AP Photo</figcaption></figure>

The study found that Black people made up 26% of the homeless population in a state where they are only 6% of the general population. About 90% of participants were living in California when they became homeless. Half reported an inability to work due to age, health or disability. The median length of homelessness was a little under two years.

The study found that Black people made up 26% of the homeless population in a state where they are only 6% of the general population. About 90% of participants were living in California when they became homeless. Half reported an inability to work due to age, health or disability. The median length of homelessness was a little under two years.

More than a third of adults surveyed met the criteria for chronic homelessness, meaning they had a disabling condition and were homeless for at least 1 year—or were homeless four times in the previous three years totaling more than 12 months.

More than a third of adults surveyed met the criteria for chronic homelessness, meaning they had a disabling condition and were homeless for at least 1 year—or were homeless four times in the previous three years totaling more than 12 months.

In Los Angeles in 2015, Sage Johnson&#8217;s mother was evicted from their apartment when she was unable to meet rent that had increased to $1,200. In disability pay, she received about $1,340 a month. She bounced around, from LA&#8217;s notorious Skid Row to various convalescent homes while her daughter lived at a shelter.

In Los Angeles in 2015, Sage Johnson's mother was evicted from their apartment when she was unable to meet rent that had increased to $1,200. In disability pay, she received about $1,340 a month. She bounced around, from LA's notorious Skid Row to various convalescent homes while her daughter lived at a shelter.

In Los Angeles in 2015, Sage Johnson&#8217;s mother was evicted from their apartment when she was unable to meet rent that had increased to $1,200. In disability pay, she received about $1,340 a month. She bounced around, from LA&#8217;s notorious Skid Row to various convalescent homes while her daughter lived at a shelter.

Later, Johnson, 28, was able to place her mother in a home, where she stayed for about two years. In 2018 though, her mother died from a debilitating stroke.

Later, Johnson, 28, was able to place her mother in a home, where she stayed for about two years. In 2018 though, her mother died from a debilitating stroke.

Johnson, who now has stable housing, wishes she could have done more.

Johnson, who now has stable housing, wishes she could have done more.

&#8220;But in the end, she did have a bed. She was inside. She didn&#8217;t have any more strokes outside. And she was able to regenerate and rejuvenate and restore some of her life while in the convalescent home,&#8221; said Johnson, a co-chair for one of the study&#8217;s advisory boards.

"But in the end, she did have a bed. She was inside. She didn't have any more strokes outside. And she was able to regenerate and rejuvenate and restore some of her life while in the convalescent home," said Johnson, a co-chair for one of the study's advisory boards.

&#8220;But in the end, she did have a bed. She was inside. She didn&#8217;t have any more strokes outside. And she was able to regenerate and rejuvenate and restore some of her life while in the convalescent home,&#8221; said Johnson, a co-chair for one of the study&#8217;s advisory boards.

Among study participants, substance abuse and issues with mental health were common and predated becoming homeless. Of those surveyed, 45% reported current, regular use of cocaine, amphetamines and opioids or heavy episodic drinking. Participants described how heavy substance use contributed to losing their homes, but also how methamphetamine usage allowed them to stay alert to protect themselves from assault or theft.

Among study participants, substance abuse and issues with mental health were common and predated becoming homeless. Of those surveyed, 45% reported current, regular use of cocaine, amphetamines and opioids or heavy episodic drinking. Participants described how heavy substance use contributed to losing their homes, but also how methamphetamine usage allowed them to stay alert to protect themselves from assault or theft.

Nearly half of the adults surveyed were not on a lease in the six months prior to becoming homeless, and had likely moved in with family or friends, contributing to rent when they could. Nearly a quarter cited conflict among housemates, desire for more space or not wanting to impose any longer on family and friends as primary reasons they left.

Nearly half of the adults surveyed were not on a lease in the six months prior to becoming homeless, and had likely moved in with family or friends, contributing to rent when they could. Nearly a quarter cited conflict among housemates, desire for more space or not wanting to impose any longer on family and friends as primary reasons they left.

On average, people surveyed who were not on leases received only one day of warning before needing to move out.

On average, people surveyed who were not on leases received only one day of warning before needing to move out.

Among people on rental lease agreements, more than 20% cited income loss or reduction as the primary reason they lost housing. &#8220;So it wasn&#8217;t so much that their housing costs increased, it&#8217;s that they could no longer keep up with it,&#8221; said Kushel.

Among people on rental lease agreements, more than 20% cited income loss or reduction as the primary reason they lost housing. "So it wasn't so much that their housing costs increased, it's that they could no longer keep up with it," said Kushel.

Among people on rental lease agreements, more than 20% cited income loss or reduction as the primary reason they lost housing. &#8220;So it wasn&#8217;t so much that their housing costs increased, it&#8217;s that they could no longer keep up with it,&#8221; said Kushel.

A homeless man, warms up a piece of doughnut over a bonfire he set to keep himself warm on Skid Row in Los Angeles, on Feb. 14, 2023. | Jae C. Hong/AP Photo

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/AP23167745296072-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-172796"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Robert Mason, a 56-year-old homeless man, warms up a piece of doughnut over a bonfire he set to keep himself warm on Skid Row in Los Angeles on Feb. 14, 2023. | Jae C. Hong/AP Photo</figcaption></figure>

California ranks as the most unaffordable state when it comes to housing, according to an annual report by the <a href="https://www.nlihc.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Low Income Housing Coalition</a>. A person earning an hourly minimum wage of $15.50 would have to work nearly 90 hours a week to afford the statewide average for a modest one-bedroom rental, which is nearly $1,800 a month, the coalition states.

California ranks as the most unaffordable state when it comes to housing, according to an annual report by the <a href="https://www.nlihc.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Low Income Housing Coalition</a>. A person earning an hourly minimum wage of $15.50 would have to work nearly 90 hours a week to afford the statewide average for a modest one-bedroom rental, which is nearly $1,800 a month, the coalition states.

The study was requested by Newsom&#8217;s administration, which has made addressing homelessness a priority, but the state did not fund it so didn&#8217;t play a role in analyzing data or interpreting the findings.

The study was requested by Newsom's administration, which has made addressing homelessness a priority, but the state did not fund it so didn't play a role in analyzing data or interpreting the findings.

The study was requested by Newsom&#8217;s administration, which has made addressing homelessness a priority, but the state did not fund it so didn&#8217;t play a role in analyzing data or interpreting the findings.

The report makes many recommendations, including deep expansion of rental assistance and pilot programs to facilitate shared housing for people seeking to get out of homelessness—and a rental stipend program for people living temporarily with family or friends.

The report makes many recommendations, including deep expansion of rental assistance and pilot programs to facilitate shared housing for people seeking to get out of homelessness—and a rental stipend program for people living temporarily with family or friends.

Johnson said she hopes the public will find the report&#8217;s findings to be evidence that tax dollars are being put to good use in social safety net spending. She also hopes that people will support robust mental health and addiction treatment services along with affordable housing options.

Johnson said she hopes the public will find the report's findings to be evidence that tax dollars are being put to good use in social safety net spending. She also hopes that people will support robust mental health and addiction treatment services along with affordable housing options.

Johnson said she hopes the public will find the report&#8217;s findings to be evidence that tax dollars are being put to good use in social safety net spending. She also hopes that people will support robust mental health and addiction treatment services along with affordable housing options.

&#8220;I don&#8217;t want to set anyone up for failure,&#8221; she said. &#8220;And I&#8217;m sure many of my peers can agree that folks need time to practice going back to, like, regular society life.&#8221;

"I don't want to set anyone up for failure," she said. "And I'm sure many of my peers can agree that folks need time to practice going back to, like, regular society life."

&#8220;I don&#8217;t want to set anyone up for failure,&#8221; she said. &#8220;And I&#8217;m sure many of my peers can agree that folks need time to practice going back to, like, regular society life.&#8221;

New study: 90% of state’s homeless are local; 45% report high drug, alcohol use

George Kelly

Living in a tent behind fences at 325 Fremont St., Omar told The Standard he had no idea the dry grass lot he lives on in Downtown San Francisco was supposed to be a 26-story apartment tower.&nbsp;

Living in a tent behind fences at 325 Fremont St., Omar told The Standard he had no idea the dry grass lot he lives on in Downtown San Francisco was supposed to be a 26-story apartment tower.&nbsp;

Omar also said he didn&#8217;t know about the nine 311 complaints about homeless encampments on the site. He declined to give his last name for privacy reasons.

Omar also said he didn't know about the nine 311 complaints about homeless encampments on the site. He declined to give his last name for privacy reasons.

Omar also said he didn&#8217;t know about the nine 311 complaints about homeless encampments on the site. He declined to give his last name for privacy reasons.

“Why do people care?” he said when told about a <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/sanfrancisco/comments/1d825za/growing_encampment_in_neighborhood_311_has_been/">Reddit</a> post complaining about tents on the site.&nbsp;

“Why do people care?” he said when told about a <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/sanfrancisco/comments/1d825za/growing_encampment_in_neighborhood_311_has_been/">Reddit</a> post complaining about tents on the site.&nbsp;

For a decade, plans to build 118 market-rate homes on the empty lot have been approved, but it still sits empty.

For a decade, plans to build 118 market-rate homes on the empty lot have been approved, but it still sits empty.

A tent seen at 325 Fremont St. in San Francisco on June 5. Debris on the site has since been cleared.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/1000011202.jpg?w=2500" alt="A person stands by a fence amidst scattered belongings and debris, including a stroller and barricades in a grassy, vacant lot near a building." class="wp-image-282989"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A tent seen at 325 Fremont St. on June 5. Debris on the site has since been cleared.</figcaption></figure>

Debris and belongings seen at 325 Fremont St. in San Francisco on June 5. The site has planning permission for luxury homes that have not materialized.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/1000011206.jpg?w=2500" alt="The image shows an outdoor area with scattered belongings including a tricycle, a cooler, pillows, a bike, and various items on the ground, suggesting a makeshift living space." class="wp-image-282987"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Debris, a Lyft bike and belongings seen at 325 Fremont St. on June 5. The site has planning permission for luxury homes that have not materialized.</figcaption></figure>

Planning officials said there has been “no activity” on the plans since they were filed and approved.

Planning officials said there has been “no activity” on the plans since they were filed and approved.

The early stage plans were also thin on details but showed a rooftop terrace and space for 61 underground parking spaces. Glossy renderings are still available online, showing a ritzy-looking glass and steel construction replete with balconies overlooking Rincon Hill.&nbsp;

The early stage plans were also thin on details but showed a rooftop terrace and space for 61 underground parking spaces. Glossy renderings are still available online, showing a ritzy-looking glass and steel construction replete with balconies overlooking Rincon Hill.&nbsp;

A 2017 building permit for the tower estimated a construction cost of $43.5 million.

A 2017 building permit for the tower estimated a construction cost of $43.5 million.

Developer Z&amp;L Properties, fresh from a corruption scandal, did not respond to multiple requests for comment. Its <a href="https://zlproperties.com/#">website</a> still loads but shows nothing but a landing page that reads “destined to become California’s premier condominium developer” and very little else.

Developer Z&amp;L Properties, fresh from a corruption scandal, did not respond to multiple requests for comment. Its <a href="https://zlproperties.com/#">website</a> still loads but shows nothing but a landing page that reads “destined to become California’s premier condominium developer” and very little else.

Xavier Pektelidis, center, was removed along with his possessions from an empty lot that had been causing a disturbance in a San Francisco neighborhood of high-rises on Wednesday, June 5, 2024.

The lot at 325 Fremont St. in San Francisco is private property and had been occupied by a homeless encampment. Local residents are frustrated that 311 continues to close the ticket for removing the encampment, citing its status as private property. Pektelidis complained that some of his possessions were disposed of by Waste Management.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/emptylothomelesscamp-2.jpg?w=2500" alt="A homeless man is forced to leave an encampment." class="wp-image-281341"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Xavier Pektelidis, center, was removed along with his possessions from the empty lot on Fremont Street.</figcaption></figure>

In late 2023, the firm <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/05/billionaire-corruption-san-francisco-nuru-zhang-li-z-l-properties-fine/">pled guilty</a> to conspiracy to commit fraud and was fined $1 million in a federal case in which its owner, Zhang Li, admitted in federal court to bribing a San Francisco official to move forward with a high-profile development.

Chinese billionaire’s company fined $1M in San Francisco bribery scheme

In late 2023, the firm <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/05/billionaire-corruption-san-francisco-nuru-zhang-li-z-l-properties-fine/">pled guilty</a> to conspiracy to commit fraud and was fined $1 million in a federal case in which its owner, Zhang Li, admitted in federal court to bribing a San Francisco official to move forward with a high-profile development.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-loud-yelling-at-night">‘Loud yelling at night’</h2>

There have been at least nine 311 complaints about the lot in the last two weeks, including multiple mentions of an encampment there, with one <a href="https://mobile311.sfgov.org/reports/18303688">describing</a> “loud yelling at night, with lots of glasses shattering,” “drug dealing,” and “unwanted harassment towards (female) pedestrians.”&nbsp;

There have been at least nine 311 complaints about the lot in the last two weeks, including multiple mentions of an encampment there, with one <a href="https://mobile311.sfgov.org/reports/18303688">describing</a> “loud yelling at night, with lots of glasses shattering,” “drug dealing,” and “unwanted harassment towards (female) pedestrians.”&nbsp;

An East Cut Community Benefit District spokesperson said the district was aware of the encampment and “liaising with the city to resolve it,” but only police officers and sheriff’s deputies had the authority to remove people from the lot.

An East Cut Community Benefit District spokesperson said the district was aware of the encampment and “liaising with the city to resolve it,” but only police officers and sheriff’s deputies had the authority to remove people from the lot.

A neighbor, blue shirt, speaks with East Cut Neighborhood Advocacy group member next to a recently cleared empty lot in San Francisco on Wednesday, June 5, 2024. 

The lot at 325 Fremont St. in San Francisco is listed as private property and had a homeless encampment on the property on Wednesday, June 5, 2024. Local neighbors are upset that that 311 keeps closing the ticket to remove the lot to be listed as its private property.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/emptylothomelesscamp-12.jpg?w=2500" alt="Two people speak to each other." class="wp-image-281345"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A neighbor in a blue shirt speaks with an East Cut CBD member next to a recently cleared empty lot on Fremont Street.</figcaption></figure>

On June 5, a spokesperson for the Department of Emergency Management, which oversees encampment sweeps, said the lot “has been on our radar for a while,” with members of the police department’s Healthy Streets Operation Center Homeless Outreach team visiting the site.

On June 5, a spokesperson for the Department of Emergency Management, which oversees encampment sweeps, said the lot “has been on our radar for a while,” with members of the police department’s Healthy Streets Operation Center Homeless Outreach team visiting the site.

“We are continuing to clean up the debris left behind,” the spokesperson said. “Our team is now working with the owner to secure the site, and prevent it from being re-encamped in the future.”

“We are continuing to clean up the debris left behind,” the spokesperson said. “Our team is now working with the owner to secure the site, and prevent it from being re-encamped in the future.”

But by June 6, Omar was camped on the lot, seemingly unaware of the sweeps or that he may be trespassing, despite signage around the site warning against entry.

But by June 6, Omar was camped on the lot, seemingly unaware of the sweeps or that he may be trespassing, despite signage around the site warning against entry.

core/video

<figure class="wp-block-video"><video autoplay loop muted poster="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/sfs_project_version-00_09_46_17-still007.jpg" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/emptylothomelesscamp_inline_video.mp4"></video><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Neighbors are upset that 311 keeps closing the ticket on the empty lot despite the proliferation of encampments.</figcaption></figure>

A spokesperson for Supervisor Matt Dorsey, who represents the area, said Dorsey’s office was working with city departments to relocate campers. His office declined to comment further.&nbsp;

A spokesperson for Supervisor Matt Dorsey, who represents the area, said Dorsey’s office was working with city departments to relocate campers. His office declined to comment further.&nbsp;

The sheriff’s office said in a voicemail they don’t handle encampment resolutions and deferred to the city’s Healthy Streets Operations Center, a seven-department city body that clears encampments and provides outreach services.

The sheriff’s office said in a voicemail they don’t handle encampment resolutions and deferred to the city’s Healthy Streets Operations Center, a seven-department city body that clears encampments and provides outreach services.

Representatives from the police department and the Mayor’s Office did not respond to requests for comment by publication time.

Representatives from the police department and the Mayor’s Office did not respond to requests for comment by publication time.

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Search Results for: homelessness

How planters shipped from 1,600 miles away are changing San Francisco’s homelessness debate

New study: 90% of state’s homeless are local; 45% report high drug, alcohol use

A downtown lot was supposed to be luxury homes. Instead, it’s a fenced-off encampment

Homeless camp complaints have spiked in these neighborhoods

To answer homeless 311 complaints, officials wield a new tool: a 4-foot measuring stick