Millions of taxpayer dollars meant to help San Francisco’s homeless population were allegedly siphoned off by the longtime head of a city-funded nonprofit — money prosecutors said instead helped bankroll a luxury lifestyle.
Gwendolyn Westbrook, 71, the former chief executive of the United Council of Human Services (UCHS), has been charged with nine felonies, including misappropriation of public funds, grand theft and filing false California tax returns, the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office serve homeless and low-income residents. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization operated a 120-trailer shelter site at Pier 94 in Hunters Point.
head of another homeless services nonprofit was recently charged at both the federal and state level with allegedly misusing $23 million in taxpayer funds to finance luxury properties and vehicles.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.