In the midst of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in San Francisco, noticeable changes have occurred in the city's homeless population dynamics. Streets near Moscone Center and downtown have witnessed a decrease in the visibility of unhoused individuals, prompting questions about their whereabouts during the event.

The San Francisco Standard, a local news outlet, captured images of encampments on Van Ness Avenue and Eddy Street just two months ago. However, this week, a complete transformation was observed, with planter boxes now lining the sidewalks, located approximately a mile away from the APEC summit. Similarly, the area between Minna Street and Julia Streets, previously occupied by multiple tents, has been cleared.

The big question arises: where did San Francisco's homeless population go? Remarkably, a significant number of individuals have migrated to Willow Street, according to our investigation.

In an interview with Cody Jost, a previously unhoused individual, he disclosed, "Before being here on Willow, I was staying at Harrison and 5th Street. But the city moved us. They would block off certain streets and direct us to keep moving. Essentially, they control everything and dictate where we can and cannot settle."

Cody, who had initially set up camp just two blocks from Moscone Center, shared how city workers approached him during the past week, offering shelter options. He ultimately accepted the proposition and relocated.

Discoveries made by St. Anthony's, a local organization addressing homelessness, shed light on intentional engagement between the city and individuals experiencing homelessness in the South of Market area roughly a month before the APEC summit commenced. Many of these individuals sought shelter in the Tenderloin district, indicating that they were provided with alternatives for accommodation.

Terry Giovannini, Chief Program Officer at St. Anthony's, elaborated, "Approximately a month before APEC began, there was intentional engagement with the city and homeless individuals, particularly those in the South of Market area. Many of those folks did come to the Tenderloin, and they were given options for shelter." However, some individuals declined shelter and are currently seeking alternative arrangements during the ongoing event.

The San Francisco Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing (HSH) acknowledged that efforts shift during events like APEC, stating, "We want to put our best foot forward. Dedicated outreach efforts will be focused on the conference vicinity, and offering safe places for people experiencing homelessness will be a priority."

While businesses in the Tenderloin district appreciate the decrease in homeless individuals on the streets due to the temporary shelter arrangements, concerns are raised about what will happen once the APEC summit concludes. Rene Colorado, executive director of the Tenderloin Merchants Association, emphasized the need for ongoing attention and action from city officials, stating, "We are definitely going to keep pushing. We are all the constituents... they need to listen to us."

HSH also clarified that while no special shelter capacity was arranged specifically for APEC, the city did open its winter shelter on the day the summit began, adding 300 beds to the shelter system. Moreover, HSH plans to introduce additional shelter capacity in the coming months, including the Interfaith Winter Shelter from November 10, 2023 to March 24, 2024, and expanding shelter capacity at three adult congregate shelters, which is estimated to provide another 300 beds.

Addressing homelessness requires a comprehensive and compassionate approach, even during prominent events like APEC. San Francisco aims to showcase its commitment to tackling homelessness and demonstrate innovation, resilience, and determination in finding lasting and meaningful solutions.