San Francisco Mayor Directs Homeless Relocation Strategy

San Francisco Mayor London Breed has implemented a new directive requiring city officials to prioritize offering one-way bus tickets to homeless individuals before providing shelter or housing options. This policy shift comes as the city has seen an increase in the homeless population originating from outside San Francisco, rising from 28% in 2019 to 40% in 2024. The order mandates that city departments engage with homeless individuals to first present relocation services, along with a tracking system to measure the effectiveness of these programs. Additionally, the city is ramping up enforcement against homeless encampments, following a Supreme Court ruling that grants officials more power to manage public spaces. Critics view this approach as offloading the city's homelessness problem onto other jurisdictions, while supporters argue it is a necessary response to the escalating crisis. Mayor Breed emphasizes the need for compassion but insists that the city cannot continue to be exploited by individuals seeking refuge in San Francisco from other areas.