At a ‘model’ S.F. homeless housing complex, man dies for days unnoticed

Eric McCain lived at the Jazzie Collins Apartments, a supportive housing complex in San Francisco operated by the nonprofit HomeRise. The 96-unit facility, which opened in 2022, was hailed by city officials as a model for addressing homelessness, offering residents private kitchens, outdoor courtyards, and a dignified living environment.

Aisha McCain, Eric’s sister, became alarmed when she could not reach her brother for several days last fall. After contacting the complex’s front desk and then the police, she arrived at the building to find a fire engine parked outside. She was denied access to her brother’s unit, where she later learned he had died. The body, found surrounded by insects, was described as “moderately decomposed” by medical examiners, with chronic alcoholism cited as the cause of death at age 54.

Eric had been last seen by Jazzie Collins staff 12 days earlier during a routine pest control inspection. He had informed them he felt too ill to allow them inside, but no further action was taken. Records and an independent investigation confirmed that no one returned to check on him.

Jazzie Collins is one of 18 supportive housing complexes managed by HomeRise, which annually spends about $41 million to provide housing for 1,500 formerly unhoused individuals and their families. The organization has received substantial public funding and has been praised for its amenities, often compared to market-rate housing.

Despite its reputation, HomeRise has faced scrutiny over its ability to fulfill its mission. An investigation revealed systemic issues that put residents at risk, raising questions about accountability and the effectiveness of supportive housing programs.

The incident highlights the challenges of ensuring safety and care in housing solutions designed to help the most vulnerable. Proverbs 31:8-9 calls for advocating for the oppressed, reminding communities to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves.

HomeRise’s struggles reflect a broader tension between the promise of supportive housing and the realities of implementation. Ensuring that such programs truly serve their intended purpose requires vigilance, transparency, and a commitment to the dignity of every neighbor.

As cities continue to grapple with homelessness, the story of Eric McCain serves as a sobering reminder of the human cost when systems fail to protect the most vulnerable. Isaiah 58:7 urges people to “share your bread with the hungry,” emphasizing that care for neighbors is not optional but essential.

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