Overview

The Department of Human Services officially began its implementation of the Care Not Cash initiative on May 3rd, 2004. The voters of San Francisco adopted Care Not Cash as Proposition N in the November 2002 election. Care Not Cash implementation was delayed due to court challenges, but the California Supreme Court eventually ruled that the plan could remain intact as passed by voters.

The primary goal of Care Not Cash is to reduce homelessness and improve the health and welfare of homeless indigent adults receiving cash assistance through permanent housing opportunities and enhanced services.

Homeless persons receiving cash assistance from the City’s County Adult Assistance Program (CAAP) were phased-into Care Not Cash over a seven-month period (from May through November 2004). CAAP is San Francisco's cash aid program for adults without dependent children.  Under Care Not Cash, homeless CAAP clients are offered housing/shelter and associated amenities as a portion of their benefit package. Funding that would have otherwise been used for cash aid is being used to expand permanent housing and services for this population (including access to mental health, substance abuse, and other support services).

Homeless CAAP clients will be given up-front direct access to permanent supportive housing whenever possible.  Once in housing, wrap-around supportive services will help clients avoid a recurrence of homelessness.  The emergency shelter system will focus on temporary stays and connecting clients to permanent housing, services, and treatment, so they can successfully transition out of homelessness.

Care Not Cash Monthly Update Report (February 2008) (pdf)

Care Not Cash Monthly Statistical Report (February 2008) (pdf)

Progress Report to the Ten Year Plan Council (February 2005) (pdf)

Draft Implementation Plan (April 7, 2004) (pdf)

Full Text of Care Not Cash Initiative Proposition N (pdf)