Trump's Plan for DC Homeless is Giving San Francisco Deja Vu

The Plan

President Trump's proposal to remove homeless encampments in the nation's capital hearkens back to San Francisco's struggles with the same issue. In December 2020, the Trump administration unveiled a plan for Washington, D.C., to remove homeless encampments from the streets and move people into transitional housing. But the proposal has given San Francisco deja vu, as the city faced a similar dilemma in 2018 when it began clearing tent villages.

The Reaction

The administration's $12 billion plan to end homelessness would also fund shelters and housing for homeless people. But the idea of clearing encampments has been criticized for focusing on short-term solutions rather than more affordable housing, and it's raising concerns over racist allegations.

The Backlash in SF

In 2018, San Francisco cleared dozens of encampments throughout the city, displacing hundreds of people. The move was controversial then and is equally so now. Critics say the focus should be on creating more affordable housing and providing comprehensive support services. And while the pandemic has heightened the visibility of homelessness due to societal shifts and evolving neighbor attitudes, the core issue remains the shortage of affordable housing.

The Way Forward

San Francisco is now working to find pathways to housing for those living on the streets, focusing on individualized housing plans and establishing safer encampments as a transitional solution. The city is also investing in permanent housing solutions, such as tiny homes, rather than clearing encampments. These tiny homes are relocatable and provide an immediate solution to getting people off the streets.

While the future of Trump's plan remains to be seen, the similarities between San Francisco and Washington, D.C., are striking and will likely influence the approach taken by both cities in the years ahead.