Mayor Lurie Opens Sober Living Transitional Housing at James Baldwin Place, Delivering Progress on "Breaking the Cycle" Plan

SAN FRANCISCO – Mayor Daniel Lurie today opened James Baldwin Place, a sober living transitional housing program for people exiting homelessness and addiction and on a path to long-term stability. The launch marks a significant milestone in Mayor Lurie’s “Breaking the Cycle” plan to transform the city’s response to the homelessness and behavioral health crisis—creating another safe, supportive space for individuals transitioning out of homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless. The new site also represents the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing’s (HSH) first stable home for those in recovery who are ready to live in a sober environment.

Under Mayor Lurie’s Fentanyl State of Emergency Ordinance, passed 10-1 by the Board of Supervisors in February, the San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH) and HSH are working together to add interim housing and treatment options for those exiting homelessness and those recovering from addiction. The new site is the latest step forward in the mayor’s Breaking the Cycle plan, following this month’s launch of the Breaking the Cycle fund, in addition to the launch of an integrated neighborhood-based model for the city’s street outreach teams, the opening of a 24/7 police-friendly stabilization center, a significant expansion of recovery and treatment beds, and the introduction of new policies to connect people to treatment.

“Recovery is possible—and our city has a responsibility to make it easier,” said Mayor Lurie. “This new transitional sober housing will give people in recovery a safe, stable place to live, surrounded by a community that supports their sobriety. It’s a key step in our Breaking the Cycle plan to treat addiction, reduce homelessness, and reclaim our public spaces.”

James Baldwin Place will be operated in partnership with Westside Community Services and the Salvation Army and will be located at the Civic Center Motor Inn. It will provide 54 units of transitional housing for adults experiencing homelessness. Onsite services include case management, recovery and behavioral health support, life skills development, peer support, conflict resolution, de-escalation, mindfulness, and assistance finding permanent housing.

“HSH is excited to support the launch of our new sober living transitional housing program. James Baldwin Place is about more than simply providing transitional housing, it’s about creating a support system that aims to foster healing, empowerment, and independence,” said Shireen McSpadden, HSH Executive Director. “By offering safe housing, comprehensive support services, and a sense of a sober community, we will transform lives. Together, we can break the cycle of homelessness and substance use, guiding our clients toward lasting recovery and stability.”

“Expanding drug-free and recovery housing options for those seeking to exit homelessness has been a major priority of mine on the Board of Supervisors, and I’m so grateful for the progress we’re beginning to make,” said District 6 Supervisor Matt Dorsey. “James Baldwin Place is exactly the kind of housing model we need to break the cycle of addiction and homelessness. As someone in recovery myself, I know one of the benefits of this housing is that recovery community members themselves will support one another in an environment that’s safe, supportive and sober. I’m grateful to Mayor Lurie, the Salvation Army, and Westside Community Services for their leadership on this.” 

Westside Community Services, in partnership with the Salvation Army, has a proven track record of providing behavioral health services (residential withdrawal management, drug treatment, therapeutic communities, medication management, clinical case management) and recovery (sober) housing to unhoused and formerly unhoused adults who struggle with addiction and mental health challenges.

“The recovery movement is gaining momentum,” said Cedric Akbar, Director of Forensics of Westside Community Services. “We’re now providing housing not just to help individuals heal, but to build a San Francisco where responsibility and hope thrive.”

"The James Baldwin Place represents more than just a safe and supportive environment for recovery, it embodies the fundamental belief that people can change,” said Steve Adami, Executive Director, The Way Out, Salvation Army San Francisco. “This pilot project is rooted in the conviction that everyone deserves the opportunity to heal and thrive. As homelessness and addiction are often deeply interconnected, it is critical that our city expand access to drug-free, recovery-oriented housing. We are proud to create a space where recovery is not only possible but powerfully supported.”