According to a report in the New York Post, the homeless population is APEC summit meetingBut residents and business owners view these efforts as only a temporary solution to a deeper, ongoing problem, especially as drug overdoses continue to be a major problem in the city. .
The city is focusing on specific areas in the Tenderloin and South of Market (SoMa) neighborhoods, which are known for high concentrations of homeless encampments and high drug use. The cleanup included removing tents and increasing police presence around these areas. Adam Mesnick, a SoMa resident and business owner, told the Post he has seen temporary housing pop up in hotels for some homeless people over the past week. “They’re essentially avoiding the problem and not offering a long-term solution,” Mesnick said.
SoMa community activist Rich Lee Win said the city’s actions demonstrate its ability to address these issues, but they are only short-term solutions.
More than 20,000 visitors are expected to descend on San Francisco for the APEC summit. In preparation, the city is taking steps to clear open drug markets in other areas, including around the Nancy Pelosi Federal Building. The building had previously been occupied by homeless people and drug users, and federal employees were advised to work from home due to safety concerns.
Despite the cleaning, local business owners like Adam Mesnick, who runs a deli in SoMa, express skepticism about the long-term effectiveness of these measures. They observe that the problem is simply being redirected without a sustainable solution being provided.
City officials are actively cleaning up specific roads and areas in preparation for the summit. This includes clearing a notorious intersection known for homeless encampments. But these efforts are seen as creating an illusion of cleanliness and order rather than addressing the root causes of homelessness and drug addiction in the city.
The problem of fentanyl-related drug overdoses remains a significant problem in San Francisco. The city is on track to record a record number of fatal overdoses this year, with fentanyl being a major factor.
In the wake of the summit, the city added 300 more beds to its evacuation centers, but it is unclear how many beds will be available during the APEC meeting. The Office of Homelessness is working to maximize community shelter capacity during and after the Summit.