San Francisco is grappling with homelessness and a drug crisis. Perceived misunderstandings of harm reduction approaches, inefficient housing strategies, and uncritical acceptance of status quo policies by city-funded nonprofits are exacerbating the problems. The public pushes for stronger responses such as implementing more shelters and treatments, and police reinforcement. Innovative treatment programs like ‘Seeking Safety,’ stressing varying support measures, could be more effective. Policymakers must prioritize both the vulnerable population and community safety.