San Francisco, CA – Mayor London N. Breed and the San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH) today announced plans to purchase an assisted living facility in Hayes Valley, preserving essential beds and services for more than 55 San Franciscan senior citizens.
The property at 624 Laguna Street currently serves as an assisted living home, also known as a board and care or residential care facility. The state-licensed facility will provide a home for people who require 24-hour care to meet their daily needs, with programming and support for clients’ daily health necessities. This is the first of two facilities in the area that the City is aiming to purchase.
The City has more than 3,000 private and public assisted living beds. While San Francisco has maintained a consistent number of beds since 2021, there continues to be shifts and consolidations in the private market. This longstanding assisted living facility has changed operators in recent years. Under SFDPH ownership, the main difference in operation will be moving away from private-pay residents towards clients of SFDPH.
“Preserving board and care facilities is critical, as we continue to see them vulnerable to closing not just in San Francisco, but all over the Bay Area,” said Mayor London Breed. “These facilities keep some of our most vulnerable residents stable and housed, instead of seeing them ending up in far worse circumstances, including on the street. Stepping in to preserve these beds will change lives and help our city continue to care for our seniors.”
The 624 Laguna Street building will continue to operate as assisted living for approximately 55 people over the age of 60. The facility will be staffed 24/7. Clients in the facility receive help with daily tasks, such as meal preparation, medication, housekeeping, and personal care.
“We have an aging population in San Francisco with a variety of health needs,” said Dr. Grant Colfax, Director of Health. “For SFDPH to preserve these services as the private market shrinks is imperative to ensuring families can not only support their loved ones but also know they are safe and taken care of.”
On Tuesday, legislation will be introduced at the Board of Supervisors for the purchase of 624 Laguna Street. The City aims to introduce legislation for the purchase of a second facility at 601 Laguna Street this summer.
“Over the years, we’ve seen the cost of elder care rising beyond the point where most people can afford it,” said District 5 Supervisor Dean Preston, whose district includes both facilities. “This acquisition will allow the City to continue supporting seniors in Hayes Valley and ensure that low-income seniors will have a place to call home. This is great for the neighborhood and great for our city."