In the heart of San Francisco, a battle is brewing over addiction recovery and housing policies that could change the game for thousands struggling with substance abuse.

Assemblymember Matt Haney is taking a radical stand with Assembly Bill 255, challenging California’s current Housing First policy by proposing that 25% of state recovery housing funds be allocated to drug-free housing options.

The Fentanyl Crisis

With over 7,000 opioid overdose deaths in California last year, Haney argues that the current one-size-fits-all approach is failing those battling addiction. The existing law, implemented in 2016, mandates housing without requiring sobriety - a policy Haney believes is now outdated.

A Path to Recovery

The proposed bill isn’t about punishment, but choice. “It’s a reality that people relapse,” Haney explains, highlighting that the legislation would provide alternative housing options without penalizing individuals who are in the challenging process of recovery.

Community Support

Local leaders, including San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie and District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, are backing the bill. Supervisor Matt Dorsey, a recovering addict himself, passionately supports the initiative, sharing his own journey of maintaining sobriety.

As San Francisco continues to grapple with its addiction and housing challenges, Haney’s bill represents a potential turning point in how we approach recovery and support for those struggling with substance abuse.