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The Coldest Days of 2018: More SF Shelters Open

With temperatures below 40, here’s how SF is trying to care for the homeless
By - posted 2/21/2018 No Comment

The National Weather Service is predicting very cold temperatures with blustery conditions in San Francisco to continue through the end of the week with nighttime temperatures dipping into the low 40s and high 30s.

The public is urged to check on older adults or those with disabilities frequently to ensure their homes are adequately heated. If someone sees a person in need of shelter please call 3-1-1; for anyone experiencing a medical emergency please call 9-1-1.

For more cold weather safety and preparedness information visit www.sfdem.org/cold-weather.

The City has extended its increased shelters schedule through Friday (2/23/18) for the duration of the predicted cold weather.

The San Francisco Homeless Outreach Teams (SFHOT) will be reaching out to unsheltered residents to help get them indoors. SFHOT also will be performing wellness checks, distributing blankets, and offering transport to shelters.

Expanded Shelter Schedule:

  • An additional shelter is open at Gene Friend Rec Center, 270 6th Street, for 120 guests. The shelter will remain open on a 24 hour basis until Friday morning. Meals are being served. Pets are not permitted at this shelter.
  • The Hummingbird Center located at the Behavioral Health Center on Zuckerberg General Hospital Campus, 887 Potrero Avenue, is open with 20 spaces available on a 24 hour basis throughFriday. Individuals can access this shelter based on referrals from SFHOT.
  • The City has directed all shelters to allow any adult who needs shelter to occupy any vacant bed after 8:00 p.m. at any facility, regardless of whether the individual has an existing reservation.
  • Since December 21st the City has added 75 additional sleeping spaces for the winter at MSC South Shelter, 525 5th Street (at Bryant) with 50 extra spaces, and Next Door Shelter (1001 Polk Street) with 25 extra spaces.
  • In partnership with the San Francisco Interfaith Council, the Winter Shelter Program will also provide space for 65 men at First Unitarian Church, located at 1187 Franklin Street. Tickets are being distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets will be for a seven-night stay. Two meals are being served each day.
  • United Council on Human Services, 2111 Jennings Street, will be open 24 hours through Friday morning with 100 spaces available.