SafeHouse’s Statement on San Francisco Encampment Sweeps

San Francisco SafeHouse strongly condemns the recent decision by the City of San Francisco to conduct encampment sweeps. We firmly believe that homelessness should not be criminalized, and such actions only exacerbate the challenges faced by our unhoused community members.

Many of the women we serve at SafeHouse choose to sleep outside rather than in coed shelters due to significant safety concerns. These women are often fleeing from situations of violence and trauma, and the lack of secure, women-only spaces leaves them with few safe alternatives.

By carrying out these sweeps, the city is not addressing the root causes of homelessness but rather punishing those who are already vulnerable. We urge the City of San Francisco to reconsider this approach and to work towards compassionate, long-term solutions that respect the dignity and safety of all individuals experiencing homelessness. Our community deserves better than punitive measures; it deserves empathy, understanding, and actionable steps toward real, sustainable housing solutions.

San Francisco SafeHouse is committed to supporting and advocating for the rights of unhoused women, and we stand in solidarity with all who call for an end to the criminalization of homelessness.