in SF where many poor and desperate people exist on the margins of great wealth, prosperity and new building expansion. The same type of phenomenon, minus the level of homelessness in SF has been occurring in other large US cities undergoing strong growth and gentrification in the last 20+ years- Seattle, Chicago, DC, NY, and others. And with no end in sight, so far.
Upscale urban growth doesn't have to cause such negative impacts on poor people and average workers and communities, especially in terms of the lack of affordable housing, adequate local services and other necessities, but has. More and more the inequality in America, the haves and have nots, is becoming visibly worse; it has to be confronted somehow. Btw, your story of aiding the lady in the wheelchair was great, you helped all that you could. I would have done the same..
So SF is erecting two new apt. buildings and a clinic for homeless and seniors, but will it be soon enough as you say. Seattle just voted down a (controversial) proposal, a 'head tax' on businesses to help fund more housing for residents in need. Sooner than later we must deal with the growing problem of poverty before the US descends further into Third World type conditions in both rural and urban areas as recent studies like the major new UN report stressed. https://www.democraticunderground.com/1016207605
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