DELIVERING INNOVATION IN SUPPORTIVE HOUSING (DISH) Expands Efforts to Tackle Homelessness in San Francisco
DISH, formerly fiscally sponsored by Tides Center, becomes independent nonprofit
SAN FRANCISCO, July 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Founded in 2006, Delivering Innovation in Supportive Housing (DISH) has been at the forefront of providing Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) for San Franciscans with complex challenges transitioning out of homelessness. As of July 1, 2025, DISH, formerly a fiscally sponsored project of Tides Center, is now an independent nonprofit organization.
DISH's services are in high demand and going independent will allow for future expansion to increase the number of people served, the supportive programs and services offered to residents, and the capacity of training and consulting to other housing providers. On any given night, an estimated 8,323 individuals experience homelessness — a troubling 7% increase from 2022. Every year, over 20,000 individuals in San Francisco seek homelessness services.
DISH operates nine properties in San Francisco, housing over 800 individuals. With a 97% housing retention rate, DISH has proven that their approach to permanent supportive housing works. In the last year, DISH welcomed 177 residents into housing, trained thirty housing organizations, and gave 250 residents life-saving education from 2 new peer-led overdose prevention teams.
"Everyone deserves a home. DISH provides a place where people can recover from trauma, and rebuild their lives with dignity," said Lauren Hall, Co-CEO and Co-founder of DISH. "It starts with permanent supportive housing that provides inclusive access to a restorative community that promotes resident leadership and offers avenues for holistic wellness, creative expression and life skills development."
Co-CEO Rahwa Meharena added, "We believe housing is a platform for a meaningful and joyful life—not just a way out of homelessness, but a way forward. We're committed to confronting the inequities that disproportionately affect Black, Indigenous, and other people of color in our systems of care. We lead with compassion and evidence. We've been pioneers in harm reduction because we believe housing is the first step—not the reward. When people are housed, they can begin to heal, stabilize, and move forward."
Residents mainly come to DISH properties from the City's Coordinated Entry System. Many of DISH's 100 staff members have lived expertise that makes them uniquely qualified for this work. In addition to managing the properties and working closely with residents, DISH staff are on-site 24 hours a day to ensure safety, security, stability, and timely maintenance. Partner agencies provide case management, nursing, and clinical support.
DISH delivers innovation in supportive housing with a number of key achievements:
- DISH created the Supportive Housing Advocate Resident Project (SHARP) which trains residents to engage in policymaking as experts in what's needed to recover from homelessness.
- DISH began the 'Street to Home' pilot initiative, designed to expedite housing placement for those living unsheltered on the streets, emphasizing a streamlined, efficient system that prioritizes rapid housing placements for vulnerable individuals.
- DISH was the first property management entity in San Francisco to have Narcan available at the front desk 24/7 in response to the opioid crisis.
- DISH launched the Brave Button pilot in conjunction with the Peer Educator recruitment and training program investing in staff supported resident leadership programs which targeted overdose prevention and response.
- DISH's Restorative Justice efforts shift the typical property management practices from punitive responses to a restorative framework that focuses on healing, accountability, and community engagement.
About DISH
We believe that everyone deserves a home. Every day, we provide high-quality, permanent supportive housing to San Franciscans who have experienced long-term homelessness, severe trauma, and serious health issues. With our help, they can get off the streets, rebuild their lives, and strengthen our communities.
Media Contact:
Lauren Hall, Co-CEO
(415) 776-3474
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SOURCE DISH