In response to the homelessness and mental health crisis, Mayor Daniel Lurie of San Francisco announced the launch of the “Breaking the Cycle Fund” on May 8 at a temporary homeless shelter in the South Market neighborhood (SoMa). This fund aims to tackle the challenges faced by the city with a budget deficit of up to $800 million over the next two years. Through a collaboration of public and private fundraising efforts, the fund will expand treatment and transitional beds, reform systems, and strengthen street outreach services and placement resources to help homeless individuals transition off the streets towards a stable life.
The “Breaking the Cycle Fund” will be situated at the San Francisco Foundation and coordinated by the Mayor’s Office. Currently, the fund has secured $37.5 million in private funding. Donors include Tipping Point Community Foundation ($11 million), Charles and Helen Schwab Foundation ($10 million), Crankstart Foundation ($10 million), Keith and Priscilla Geeslin Foundation ($6 million), and Horace W. Goldsmith Foundation ($500,000). Notably, Tipping Point Community Foundation was founded by Mayor Lurie himself 20 years ago.
“In order to address the homelessness and mental health crisis, it requires a city-wide effort, which is the true essence of the ‘Breaking the Cycle Fund’,” Mayor Lurie stated. “This endeavor is not just about money but about completely abandoning failed strategies of the past, establishing more effective systems and services to break the vicious cycle of homelessness, drug addiction, and governmental dysfunction, reshaping San Francisco’s status as one of the greatest cities in the world.”
The establishment of the fund stems from the “Fentanyl State of Emergency Ordinance” proposed by Mayor Lurie at the start of his term.
In February of this year, the ordinance was passed by the City Council with a vote of 10 to 1, authorizing the city government to cooperate with private foundations in fundraising during budget emergencies to support the homeless population and provide mental health services.
Several donating entities have expressed their support for the fund, viewing it as an opportunity to intervene immediately and reform the system in the long run, addressing the pressing needs of the moment.
Numerous city council members have also voiced their support. District Three Councilmember Danny Sauter believes that this funding will translate into tangible services, bringing care and treatment to those in greatest need. District Four Councilmember Joel Engardio sees the fund as a way to rebuild trust between citizens and the government.
The Mayor’s Office stated that the city government will report the details of donations to the California Fair Political Practices Commission and the City Council in accordance with state and local laws. ◇