Former San Francisco Mayor Visits Hungary

Former San Francisco Mayor Art Agnos speaks with Hungarian NGO representatives. (Embassy photo by Laszlo Vizsy)

On May 4, former San Francisco Mayor Art Agnos visited Hungary and at the Ambassador’s residence discussed with Hungarian NGOs strategies for combating homelessness and assisting low income families and the urban poor. Mr. Agnos described methods used in San Francisco during his time in office, including the “Continuum of Care” approach which provided long term and low cost housing along with support structures. In his view, permanent housing rather than overnight shelters helped create opportunities to return to normal life and self-reliance.  

At the meeting, Hungarian organizations discussed their programs and views on homelessness in Hungary. Participating organizations included Baptist Aid, the Hungarian Maltese Charity Service, Hungarian Interchurch Aid, the Shelter Foundation, The City is for All, the Hungarian Civil Liberties Union and the Hungarian Helsinki Committee.