San Francisco unveils new long-term homeless shelter on Treasure Island

A new residential program for individuals struggling with mental health and substance use disorders has been opened on Treasure Island by Mayor London Breed and the San Francisco Department of Public Health.

The program consists of 70 beds and will provide transitional recovery housing for up to two years after individuals complete residential treatment for substance abuse disorder.

During their stay, patients will receive support while they participate in outpatient treatment and seek employment.

The program is a part of San Francisco's larger efforts to provide comprehensive substance use treatment while also addressing conditions on the streets. The city aims to have resources across the entire spectrum of care, from engaging with people directly on the street to having long-term beds.

The beds will add to the city's existing 2,200 behavioral health beds and are a part of SFDPH's commitment to care for and treat individuals who struggle with mental health and substance use.

HealthRIGHT 360 will operate the program on Treasure Island, and the organization has already started accepting patients.

Community activist JJ Smith interviewed unsheltered individuals around the neighborhood and found that many expressed enthusiasm for getting out of the Tenderloin and going to Treasure Island. One individual said that the Tenderloin is plagued by too much violence and that they love the idea of going to Treasure Island, while another individual expressed their excitement about being away from drugs and easy access to substances.