Hundreds of people living in an affluent area of San Francisco spoke out against a plan at a local council meeting, vehemently objecting to the idea that homeless people should be housed in a nearby hotel. The meeting descended into a scene of mayhem as a result. During the meeting that took place in Millbrae, there was an outpouring of ire from the locals directed against the “Project Homekey” effort. This program intended to house one hundred people who were sleeping rough at the La Quinta hotel on El Camino Real, which is located in close proximity to the downtown area of the city.
As a result of the tremendous turnout, the community hall, which had a capacity for just 300 people, was unable to accommodate everyone. As a consequence, many attendees were forced to stand outside in order to hear the suggestions that San Mateo County Executive Mike Callagy offered.
Despite Callagy’s best attempts to address the throng, his words were almost completely obscured by a cacophony of jeers and catcalls that came from the spectators. Jordan Grimes, the head of a grass-roots campaign organization that advocates for affordable housing and a participant in the meeting, likened the scenario to the commotion that would be heard in a sports stadium crowd. Videos were taken of the neighbors voicing their disagreement; some of them voiced their complaints aloud, while others exhibited placards, gestured their disgust, and gave the speakers the middle finger.
Residents in the area were there to express their concerns on the plans for “Project Homekey,” with a particular focus on issues relating to public safety and the closeness of the hotel to schools in the area. To further emphasize these concerns, some were waving homemade placards that said things like “Don’t Bully Millbrae,” “Protect Us,” and “Safety for Millbrae.”
Millbrae, which has a high median family income of $141,399, is now dealing with a particularly difficult situation as a result of the fact that it intersects with a sizeable homeless population. However, Callagy asked locals to give the project a chance, telling them that similar projects had been successfully implemented in other regions without creating substantial adverse effects. Callagy was certain that the project will be a success in the area.
The “Project Homekey” program, which is being directed by the nearby Episcopal Community Services (ECS), has the goal of converting the La Quinta hotel into supportive housing for those who are homeless. These housing units would have full-time personnel and thorough case management available to residents at all times. While the approval of money for the project is pending, the problem of homelessness continues to be a major concern across the greater San Francisco region. There is a sizeable population that is suffering on the streets and dealing with difficulties such as addiction and criminal activity.