San Francisco’s mayor is proposing to add $1 million to help keep some of the city’s most vulnerable population in stable housing.

One of the residential board and care facilities for the elderly is slated to get the funds to help stay open.

“We have to make sure that we invest in preventing homelessness in the first place,” Mayor London Breed said.

Mayor Breed stood before a crowd of seniors living at the Victorian Manor Residential care facility to talk about the importance of keeping places like this open.

Over the last five years, many board and care homes have closed, since SSI payments aren’t usually enough for places like this to keep pace with rising health care costs.

And another challenge is keeping wages competitive for staff trying to make it in this increasing unaffordable city.

“We have to make sure that we keep every single bed,” Breed said.

The extra $1 million to go into the budget will be spread out over two years, adding to the $2.5 million the Department of Public Health already pays to help cover the spending gap.

The new funds will be spread between 37 board and care facilities to help keep 350 residents, some who suffer from mental issues like dementia, keep a roof over their heads.

“Some of these people suffer from serious behavioral health and medical issues,” Breed said. “Many have history of homelessness, and we know the best solution is to prevent homelessness in the first place”

Resident Ilina Moreno gave the mayor one of her paintings. She helps run the art program for the other seniors.

She says places like Victorian Manor are crucial for seniors and those with disabilities.

“After my stroke, I became paralyzed,” Moreno said. “I cannot meet my basic social and daily needs. I need constant assistance.”

This budget amendment will be presented at Tuesday’s board of supervisors meeting.

It’s part of 47 million in additional funding allocated for homelessness-related issues.

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