San Francisco to Open First 60-Bed Recovery-Focused Homeless Shelter

San Francisco is set to open its first dedicated drug-free shelter for homeless residents, a significant step aimed at providing a clean and sober environment for individuals seeking recovery. The initiative, spearheaded by The Salvation Army San Francisco and its "The Way Out" program, is expected to begin operations at the Sharon Hotel, located at 226 6th Street, in Summer 2025. This development was highlighted in a tweet by Adrian Covert, who lauded the "Great work @SteveAdami and @salvationarmysf!"

The new facility, designated as a recovery-focused shelter, will offer 60 beds specifically for adults experiencing homelessness who are committed to an abstinence-based path. Operated by The Salvation Army in partnership with the city's Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing (HSH), the Sharon Hotel will provide onsite recovery services, case management, and support groups. This program is a key component of Mayor Daniel Lurie's "Breaking the Cycle" plan, which aims to expand access to treatment and recovery services across the city.

This new approach marks a notable shift in San Francisco's strategy for addressing its homelessness and addiction crises. For years, the city's "Housing First" policy emphasized providing housing without requiring sobriety. However, with rising overdose deaths, there's a growing push for more abstinence-based options. Steve Adami, Executive Director of The Salvation Army's "The Way Out," has been a vocal advocate for these recovery-oriented models, emphasizing that "everyone deserves the opportunity to heal and thrive."

The opening of the Sharon Hotel is part of a broader city-wide effort to add nearly 300 new treatment and interim housing beds by late summer 2025. These facilities, including the Marina Inn, James Baldwin Place, and the Kean, reflect a data-driven approach to filling gaps in the city's system of care. The Salvation Army, with its long history of providing recovery services in San Francisco, is a central partner in these expanded programs, blending opportunity with accountability.

The move towards recovery-focused housing also aligns with a proposed state-level policy change, Assembly Bill 255, which seeks to allow state funds to be allocated to drug-free housing options, a departure from previous restrictions. This legislative effort underscores the increasing recognition that diverse housing and treatment models are necessary to effectively address the complex challenges of homelessness and addiction in San Francisco.