It’s time to end public drug use in San Francisco.
Our Mission
Recovery is Possible
Public drug use has long been illegal in California. But potently addictive synthetic drugs — like fentanyl and methamphetamine — are posing unprecedented challenges that overwhelm our public services and drive rampant drug-driven lawlessness.
It’s time to change that.
“Drug-Free Sidewalks” is a public advocacy organization that invites collaboration and activism of all San Franciscans to urge a coordinated strategy to end the phenomenon of public drug use in San Francisco.
Together, We Can Make It Happen
Every person deserves a chance to recover and thrive. Together, we can make San Francisco a place where hope beats addiction and change is real.
Principles
Our Core Values
Prioritize vulnerable communities hit hardest by drugs
Make criminal justice interventions life-saving interventions
Expunge criminal drug charges for completing treatment
Normalize Recovery — without normalizing drug use
Issues
Advocacy Focus
Support
Mayor Lurie’s Fentanyl Emergency Ordinance
The ordinance accelerates the city’s response to the fentanyl crisis by streamlining processes for creating new shelter beds and expanding public safety and health initiatives, despite reducing legislative oversight.
Implement
Prop 36 and Mandated Drug Treatment
Effective December 18, 2024, California’s Proposition 36 mandates that individuals convicted of non-violent drug offenses receive drug treatment. The law also increases penalties for serious theft and fentanyl trafficking, aiming to balance public safety with treatment-focused responses.
Support
Supe. Dorsey’s Recovery Housing Legislation
Current state policies mandate drug-permissive housing, potentially hindering the recovery process for individuals with substance-use disorders. ‘Recovery Housing First’ proposes a new approach by offering drug-free, supportive housing options to foster safer, more stable recovery environments.
Support
Incentivizing Long-Term Recovery
Directly linking recovery to rewarding experiences and practical support makes long-term sobriety both appealing and sustainable for individuals battling substance use disorders.
Hope Starts Here.
Here to Change Outcomes.
Meet Brian
“People can find their way back from addiction with treatment and support. We’ve seen people rebuild a better life—and help others do the same. It starts by offering appropriate services for those struggling with substance use disorders”
Matt Dorsey
Member, San Francisco Board of Supervisors
“Personal change is hard and frightening. As long as we insist on putting people in recovery next to people who are abusing drugs and alcohol we can’t expect a successful result.
We need to stop normalizing the human disaster on our streets and insist on real change.”
Bill Maher
Founding member of Delancey Street Foundation
Meet our Team
Board Members and Community Supporters
Founding Board Member
Bill Maher
Former S.F. Supervisor
Founding Board Member
Lanier Coles
S.F. DCCC Director
Founding Board Member
Lily Ho
S.F. DCCC Member
Advisory Committee Member
Cedric Akbar
S.F. DCCC Vice Chair
Advisory Committee Member
Steve Adami
MPA, Recovery Advocate
Advisory Committee Member
Matt Dorsey
S.F. Supervisor
