During Coronavirus Outbreak S.F. Will Continue to Seize Homeless People’s Property

San Francisco will continue to confiscate belongings from people living in street encampments during the coronavirus outbreak, a Department of Public Works representative said, despite warnings from doctors and activists that the seizures may leave homeless people more vulnerable to the disease.

Public Works spokeswoman Rachel Gordon said Wednesday that department employees will not change their standard procedure of impounding, recording and storing items found unattended at homeless encampments because “that’s what we do.”

Items confiscated during encampment visits will be stored for up to 90 days in plastic bags or bins, per department policy, she said. In light of the coronavirus outbreak, the bins will be disinfected after use, and staff will clean the item storage area four times each week. Before the outbreak, the storage area was cleaned monthly.  

Local doctors have expressed concern that forcing unhoused people to relocate frequently and confiscating their clothes, sleeping bags and tents can leave those people vulnerable to infection.

“That means that you’re more at risk of not being fully prepared to be at your best, healthwise,” said Dr. David Ofman, chief medical officer at the San Francisco Community Clinic Consortium. “You may not have all the clothing you need. You may lose your jacket so you’ll get colder than you would’ve been.”

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