Homelessness is a rampant problem in San Francisco. San Francisco now has a reputation of being a dirty city that is filled with homeless people. According to McKinsey & Co 70% of San Francisco residents cite homelessness as a top three problem in the city. Drug use and the high cost of living both contribute towards the high number of homeless people in San Francisco. According to the SF government, as of 2022, there are about eight-thousand homeless people. In a city that is relatively small in land size, eight thousand people is a lot. 

“Homelessness is a pretty big issue,” an anonymous student at Stuart Hall said, “It is important that we can keep our streets and city clean.” This student isn’t alone in his feelings towards homelessness. According to a poll done by the San Francisco Chronicle, the vast majority of San Franciscans want to solve homelessness and to improve the safety of our city. “Homeless people are usually associated with drugs and poverty,” according to sophomore Daniel Montejano, “So although many people would love to see homelessness end, no neighborhood would accept homeless people.” 

What are some ways we can mitigate homelessness? “It’s up to city officials,” said an anonymous student at Stuart Hall, “ Homeless people need to find jobs to earn money so that they can survive.” It is essential that the city gets involved in order to tackle homelessness. If homeless people are able to find jobs, earn money, and have support from the government, there is a chance that homelessness will decrease. This would result in safer, clear streets. 

Homelessness is a prominent issue in San Francisco. Although this problem is hard to solve, city officials must take more steps to lessen homelessness. San Francisco must get rid of their reputation of being a dirty city, or some might say, a “rat hole”. However, if the right steps are taken, homelessness can become an issue of the past.