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Adult and TAY Shelter Engagement Policy

New Shelter Engagement Policy

The San Francisco Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing (HSH) is proposing a new Shelter Engagement Policy, previously referred to as the Length of Stay (LOS) policy, for adult and transitional age youth (TAY) shelters, similar to the policy already in place for family shelters since December 2024. The goal is to help more people move toward housing, strengthen connections to services, and make sure shelter beds remain available for people who need them. HSH is seeking public feedback on the proposed policy before it is finalized.

Provide Policy Feedback

What is changing?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, San Francisco suspended limits on how long people could stay in shelter. In December 2024, HSH brought back length-of-stay requirements for family shelters. HSH is now proposing a similar approach for adult and TAY shelters.

Under the proposed policy:

  • Initial shelter stays would be 90 days, with opportunities for additional 90-day extensions.
  • Guests would be expected to regularly participate in case management and work toward housing goals.
  • Shelter providers could approve up to three extensions, allowing eligible guests to stay for 360 days. Additional extensions would require HSH approval.
  • There would be no fixed maximum stay for guests who continue to meet the requirements.

Additional shelter improvements:

Alongside the new policy, HSH is planning to introduce one-night shelter beds at select locations. These beds would make use of otherwise unused shelter space to provide additional emergency shelter options.

HSH is also proposing improvements to the existing family shelter policy to simplify the extension process and reduce administrative requirements.

Share your feedback by November 9:

HSH wants to hear from shelter guests, service providers, advocates, and community members.

HSH will review public feedback and make changes to the policy as appropriate before finalizing it.

Public comment open until November 9

What's next?

HSH expects to finalize the policy in December 2026. The Department will then work with shelter providers to train staff, inform shelter guests, and prepare for implementation in spring 2027.