Former SF Homeless Charity Chief Accused of $1M Fraud

San Francisco, CA - The former executive director of a major San Francisco homeless services organization has been charged with misusing over $1 million in funds, according to authorities. Gwendolyn Westbrook, who led the nonprofit United Council of Human Services for nearly two decades, is accused of a pattern of financial misconduct that included excessive personal expenses, questionable payments to friends and family, and other alleged misappropriation of charitable funds.

The charges come after a lengthy investigation by the San Francisco District Attorney's Office, which uncovered evidence that Westbrook allegedly used organization funds to pay for personal expenses such as luxury travel, home renovations, and extravagant parties. Prosecutors say she also made numerous payments to relatives and close associates under the guise of legitimate business expenses.

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"As the head of an organization meant to help some of our city's most vulnerable residents, the defendant's alleged actions represent an egregious betrayal of the public trust," said District Attorney Chesa Boudin. "We will hold her accountable for this blatant abuse of her position."

Westbrook, 69, was arrested on Tuesday and faces multiple felony charges, including grand theft, misappropriation of public funds, and tax evasion. If convicted, she could be sentenced to over 10 years in prison.

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The charges are a stunning fall from grace for Westbrook, who was praised by San Francisco Mayor London Breed in 2021 for her work leading the United Council of Human Services. The organization, known as UCHS, is one of the largest homeless service providers in the city, operating several shelters and transitional housing programs.

"This is a sad day, but we are committed to rooting out any abuse of public funds and holding accountable those who would betray the trust of our community," Breed said in a statement. "Our focus now must be on ensuring the critical services provided by UCHS continue uninterrupted."

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Prosecutors allege that Westbrook's misuse of funds began as early as 2013 and continued for several years. They say she used organization credit cards for personal expenses, wrote checks to herself and family members, and even redirected grant money intended for homeless services.

"The defendant took advantage of her position of trust to line her own pockets, all while claiming to serve the homeless community," Boudin said. "This is a betrayal of the public's faith and we will ensure she is held accountable."

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The case has sent shockwaves through San Francisco's homeless services sector, raising concerns about oversight and accountability. UCHS has pledged to cooperate fully with the investigation and implement new financial controls to prevent future misconduct.

"We are deeply disturbed by these allegations and are committed to getting to the bottom of this," said Lateefah Simon, the chair of UCHS's board of directors. "The work of our organization is too important to be tarnished by the actions of one individual."