HSH Inclement Weather Notification

2/16/2024

Good Morning,

The Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing (HSH) has a Cold and Wet Weather Policy and Procedure which supports our system to increase responses to address the needs of unsheltered persons experiencing homelessness during low temperature and prolonged wet weather. This memorandum is in effect during the period of 2/17/2024-2/20/2024.

HSH-FUNDED OUTREACH PROGRAM

SFHOT will activate their Wet Weather Protocol to help clients prepare for rain beginning 2/16/24.

SFHOT will conduct increased wellness checks, hand out emergency blankets and ponchos, and check for symptoms related to hypothermia.

SFHOT will offer available placements into shelters and drop-in centers.

SFHOT will provide information to unsheltered individuals on where/when walk-up shelter can be accessed.

SFHOT will offer transportation vouchers to clients in need of transport as needed.

SFHOT will refer people to additional respite centers, if available.

SFHOT will be offering additional shifts for the duration of activation period as needed.

HSH-FUNDED TEMPORARY SHELTER PROGRAMS

The temporary shelter programs listed below will be activating:

ADA Accommodations

The Sanctuary has space and appropriate cots to accommodate 5 males and 5 females with ADA needs. They will be accepting self-referrals.

These shelters will have a walk-up process for guests seeking shelter during the activation period. Providers will accept self-referrals on a first-come, first-served basis.
Guests will be served two meals per day.
Guests are limited to 2 bags and must take belongings upon exiting the shelter.
Guests are allowed to bring service animals.
Guests are allowed to bring a partner if there is capacity. Both partners might be unable to sleep in the same area due to the nature of the shelter layout.

TRANSPORTATION

SFHOT will be providing taxi vouchers to clients that they encounter on the street who need transportation to shelter.

FOR PROVIDERS

We request that our providers take the following steps:

If you run a shelter, resource center, drop-in center, or Access Point, please increase wellness checks of on-site clients and make all shelter placements possible.
If you run Permanent Supportive Housing, please inform clients of the wet and/or cold conditions, encourage them to remain inside as much as possible, and perform wellness checks on vulnerable on-site clients.

If there is a concern about an individual, family or group at a specific location, please notify and provide details to 311 regarding a general outreach need or 911 if an emergency/critical response is indicated.