S.F.’s new RV parking restrictions are ill-conceived. Why it won’t solve homelessness

Written By Evolve California

Regarding “S.F. adopts new RV parking restrictions to deal with homeless people. Critics call it ‘inhumane’ ” (San Francisco, SFChronicle.com, Oct. 1): San Francisco’s approach to homelessness is misguided, particularly the new recreational vehicle parking restrictions that will displace vulnerable communities living in their vehicles. 

This reminds me of 2023’s APEC conference, when Mayor London Breed swept the homeless communities off the streets near the venue and onto other areas farther from the event, seemingly more interested in visibility than actual solutions. 

Though the streets may look cleaner, the city fails to address the root causes of homelessness.

The most recent homelessness census reports that “ninety percent of the city’s 130 unsheltered families live in vehicles,” and the new RV policy would impose financial burdens and take away their safe space in exchange for crowded shelters with a lack of resources.

Mayor Breed is out of touch with the inclusive vision that the city prides itself on. Why are we spending money criminalizing homelessness instead of investing in long-term, supportive approaches that meet the needs of the people?

We deserve more from our politicians who claim to care for us and prioritize policies that put people first. 

Minh Connors / The Chronicle

Evolve California
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