Former Head of San Francisco Homeless Nonprofit Charged with Misusing Over $1 Million

Gwendolyn Westbrook, ex-CEO of United Council of Human Services, accused of self-payments, improper cash withdrawals, and fraudulent reimbursements.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The former head of a San Francisco nonprofit that serves the homeless, Gwendolyn Westbrook, has been charged with misusing over $1 million in public funds. Prosecutors allege that from 2019 to 2023, Westbrook engaged in unauthorized self-payments, improper cash withdrawals, and fraudulent reimbursement practices to divert public money for personal use while exercising near-exclusive financial control over the United Council of Human Services organization.

Why it matters

The charges against Westbrook highlight ongoing concerns about mismanagement and misuse of public funds by nonprofit organizations tasked with addressing homelessness in San Francisco, which has one of the most severe homeless crises in the United States. The case raises questions about oversight and accountability for organizations receiving millions in government grants.

The details

Prosecutors say Westbrook, 71, stole $91,000 and misappropriated over $1.2 million from the United Council of Human Services. She is accused of engaging in unauthorized self-payments, improper cash withdrawals, and fraudulent reimbursement practices to divert public funds for personal use. Some large sums withdrawn from the organization's accounts remain unaccounted for.

  • From 2019 to 2023, Westbrook allegedly misused public funds.
  • Westbrook was charged on Monday, February 25, 2026.

The players

Gwendolyn Westbrook

The 71-year-old former CEO of the United Council of Human Services, a San Francisco nonprofit that serves the homeless. She is accused of misusing over $1 million in public funds for personal use.

Brooke Jenkins

The San Francisco District Attorney who announced the charges against Westbrook.

United Council of Human Services

A San Francisco nonprofit organization that provides services to the homeless, which has been under scrutiny for mismanagement and misuse of public funds.

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What they’re saying

“The last thing I'm gonna do is rip something off. I came up in the city with a love in my heart for my city. And I'm in Bayview working with my people and anybody else who needs help. And I'm gonna start stealing from them?”

— Gwendolyn Westbrook (San Francisco Standard)

What’s next

It is unclear when Westbrook will be arraigned, and there is not yet an attorney listed as her representative in court documents.

The takeaway

This case highlights ongoing concerns about oversight and accountability for nonprofit organizations receiving millions in government grants to address homelessness in San Francisco, and the need for stronger financial controls and transparency to ensure public funds are used as intended.