A Publication of the Coalition on Homelessness
story and photos by Sarah Menefee
It’s the only moral solution
A woman is harassed by cops during the sweep of a San Francisco alley
Today as more and more of us find ourselves ‘a paycheck away’ from the streets, homelessness is a death sentence for many and a glaring and appalling absurdity in this richest and most powerful nation in the world – one that has lost its heart and soul as the billionaire class plays royalty and as millions struggle and fall.
by NS
The following article is part of INSP’s Changing the Narrative series. It has been written as the result of the new journalism training academy, established in 2025 by INSP to provide people with direct experience of homelessness and poverty the opportunity to learn about journalism and the media, and to enhance their storytelling and written abilities. The training academy has two ambitions: to challenge media and public misconceptions about homelessness;
interview by River Beck
The Coalition on Homelessness relies on the dedication of many incredible volunteer organizers and activists. One organizer in particular, through her consistent and in-depth commitment to San Franciscans experiencing homelessness, has inspired us. She has highlighted the need to more visibly recognize the diverse strengths that volunteers bring to our Human Rights and Housing Justice Working Groups. Thank you, Flo, for your dedication and how you continuously inspire us.
Homelessness affects all of us, whether we have housing or not, but of course it hurts those living without homes worst of all. Having thousands of people without housing, without sanitation, without privacy, living outside and having thousands more in shelter in a small city like San Francisco is a humanitarian crisis. Unlike many crises, this one is a crisis that is man-made through poor policy decisions, and lack of corrective action. This crisis does have true solutions.
The Trump Administration just released their Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for Homeless McKinney funds out of the Housing and Urban Development Department (HUD). It is as batshit as you can imagine. Really you can’t make these things up.
First of all, for years 90% of the dollars had to go to permanent supportive housing, because there are around 50 evidence-based studies supporting this practice. But these folks don’t believe in science. So now no more than 30% of the funds can go to supportive housing.
