RV dwellers say S.F. homeless outreach worker is selling parking permits for hundreds in cash

"Four San Francisco RV dwellers say that a man dressed in a city worker's outreach uniform has been going door to door selling temporary parking permits for up to $500 in cash, promising that RV dwellers will be able to stay parked on the streets during a citywide ban. Emily Cohen, a representative from the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing, confirmed Wednesday evening the matter is "being investigated" by the city, and that permits would be audited to ensure authenticity."

"Kathia, who is expecting her first child in two weeks, is desperate to find more stable housing. At the very least, she wants a temporary permit, which offers a six-month grace period before their RV will be towed. In mid-November, 19 days after the RV ban went into effect, a homeless outreach worker knocked on her RV window and offered to sell her the coveted permit - for $500 in cash, she said."

"Two other RV dwellers reported the same, saying a man dressed in a Homelessness Outreach Team uniform offered a permit in exchange for hundreds in cash. One, concerned by the offer, called the Coalition on Homelessness, a local homelessness advocacy organization, and asked for advice. Jennifer Friedenbach, the group's director, reported the allegation to the city."

"On Wednesday, Mission Local witnessed investigators from the city attorney's office speaking with Jesus and Kathia in Spanish. The couple indicated that they had shared information with the investigators about the alleged permit-for-cash offer they received. The alleged scam could result in RV dwellers losing their homes. Hours before her interaction with the investigators, tow truck operators and San Francisco police officers tried to take Kathia's RV during a mass sweep."

Four San Francisco RV residents reported a man dressed in a city outreach uniform offering temporary parking permits for up to $500 in cash, claiming the permits would allow them to remain parked during a citywide RV ban. The Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing confirmed the matter is under investigation and said permits will be audited for authenticity and accountability pursued if allegations are validated. Two of the residents, Jesus and Kathia, live in Bayview and sought a six-month temporary permit to avoid towing; investigators later interviewed them. Advocacy groups notified city officials and a mass sweep threatened Kathia's RV during the inquiry.

Read at Mission Local