San Francisco homelessness crisis expands to the airport

Friday, 18 Apr, 2019 0

San Francisco’s homelessness crisis has already started to impact tourism, and now it’s becoming more visible even before travelers get to the city.

San Francisco International Airport is reporting a surge in homeless people arriving at the International Terminal seeking shelter overnight, at authorities are struggling to deal with the numbers.

SFO police officers report a three-fold spike in the number of interactions or calls for assistance involving homeless people at the airport.

The airport says a large number of people take the last BART train to SFO each night to find shelter.

"This particular arrival at night is an area of focus as a disproportionate number of riders on trains are homeless," said airport spokesman Doug Yakel.

"We’ve been working with BART to examine where trains terminate for the night, and we’ve also requested that BART sweep trains for homeless before they arrive at SFO."

The airport says it is working with San Mateo County homeless services agencies to try to help homeless individuals rather than just moving them on from the airport per the current policy of SFO officers.

"There is now a process in place to have homeless outreach services provided at the airport on an occasional basis," San Mateo County Homeless and Safety Net Team told The SF Chronicle.

"Our understanding is that the airport is continuing to assess the situation regarding people who are experiencing homelessness who spend time at the airport, and the Human Services Agency has and will continue to participate in discussions with the airport."

below social share icons

TravelMole Editorial Team

Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.

It’s easy to find perfection in Santa Barbara, but what if there was even more of your favorite finds, activities,...

Since 1932, P&O Cruises has offered Aussies and Kiwis the opportunity to take to the seas and have the holiday...

Cunard is the operator of luxury cruise ships Queen Mary 2®, Queen Victoria® and Queen Elizabeth®. Renowned for impeccable White...

In the heart of Europe, in one of the most innovative cities in the world, at the centre of business,...

Offering the most powerful portfolio in the industry, our 30 brands and 8,000+ properties across 139 countries and territories give...

SOUTH AUSTRALIA. FOR THOSE WHO WANT A LITTLE MORE. South Australia. It’s a beautiful place. A place for the restless,...

We’re the number one choice for travelers to the Greek Islands and Eastern Mediterranean – a fact we love to...

Nium was founded on the mission to build the global payments infrastructure of tomorrow, today. With the onset of the on-demand...

Discover Sarawak Revealing a side of Asia unlike anywhere else, Sarawak offers an alternative for those seeking humble authenticity far...

Central Florida’s Polk County is conveniently located between Orlando and Tampa, and an easy drive to Central Florida attractions and...

NSW, Australia Welcome to New South Wales – a place to feel free, feel alive, feel new. As the official...

Home to America’s Best Beaches, a vibrant arts community and amazing outdoor experiences, St. Pete/Clearwater is a sunny destination that...

Air Transat is Canada’s number one leisure airline. It flies to some 60 international destinations in more than 25 countries...

ECOMMPAY is an international payment service provider and direct bank card acquirer, engineering bespoke payment solutions for clients worldwide. Our...