SF HSH

SF Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing

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Temporary Shelter

Emergency Shelter

Interfaith Winter Shelter Program

Now in its 32nd year, the 2020-2021 Interfaith Winter Shelter Program will provide an additional 67 shelter beds at St. Mary’s Cathedral from Monday, November 30, 2020 through Sunday, January 31, 2021 with services provided by Episcopal Community Services (ECS).

At present, the end date of the program is January 31, 2021 as the site’s availability is contingent upon the status of the pandemic. HSH and Interfaith Winter Shelter Program Partners will continue to closely monitor the landscape of the pandemic while exploring other options to support winter shelter resources being available through the winter months. This overnight program will provide guests with two hot meals and takeaway lunches as well as access to mobile showers.

In adherence to COVID public health guidance, no walk-ins will be permitted. Referrals to the Interfaith Winter Shelter Program will be coordinated through the COVID-19 Command Center (CCC). The CCC works to ensure that referrals from throughout the system of care are matched with the most appropriate shelter resources.  Additionally, the San Francisco Homeless Outreach Team (SFHOT) have been and will continue performing extensive outreach throughout the City to identify individuals experiencing homelessness who are interested in accessing the Interfaith Winter Shelter Program

The 2020-2021 Interfaith Winter Shelter Program has been developed in partnership with the San Francisco Interfaith Council (SFIC), ECS and DPH to adhere to COVID prevention and mitigation strategies that must be adhered for any congregate-style shelter during COVID-19. These considerations include but are not limited to:

  • Physical distancing of ideally 6 feet between individuals during sleep and while moving throughout designated areas of shelter space
  • Enhanced cleaning processes
  • Based on the DPH environmental health assessment, new enhanced filters (MERV 13) will be installed in the HVAC and settings to the system will be adjusted to maximize air filtration
  • Access to handwashing and sanitizer stations
  • Minimizing the introduction of new risk by maintaining a stable cohort whenever possible
  • Enhanced food safety practices

For additional details, click here

Adult Shelter System 

All congregate-style shelters must adhere to COVID prevention and mitigation strategies and public health guidance during COVID-19. These considerations include but are not limited to:

  • Physical distancing of ideally 6 feet between individuals during sleep and while moving throughout designated areas of shelter space
  • Enhanced cleaning processes
  • Access to handwashing and sanitizer stations
  • Minimizing the introduction of new risk by maintaining a stable cohort whenever possible
  • Enhanced food safety practices

Referrals to emergency shelter are coordinated through the COVID-19 Command Center (CCC). The CCC works to ensure that referrals from throughout the system of care are matched with the most appropriate shelter resources. 

If you are experiencing homelessness, please visit a Coordinated Entry Access Point to engage with resources in the Homelessness Response System.