Prevention is an integral component of a robust homelessness response system (HRS). These programs reduce the overall inflow into the HRS, particularly among groups overrepresented in homelessness. Prevention is a critical element to reducing the massive inequities in homelessness, since achieving racial equity in our homelessness response cannot just be considered once people become homeless. HSH is part of a citywide prevention system to comprehensively prevent homelessness across the City. We work with workforce development, schools, affordable housing providers, and other systems to identify people at highest risk of homelessness.
HSH’s homelessness prevention strategies include:
Flexible financial assistance:
HSH funds one-time payments or longer-term assistance to cover a wide range of potential needs tied to securing or retaining housing for a household at risk of homelessness.
This assistance is offered through the San Francisco Emergency Rental Assistance Program (SF ERAP), HSH’s main prevention program. This program provides emergency financial assistance for move-in costs (security deposit, first/last months’ rent) and rent owed for eligible households. Learn more about current eligibility requirements and how to access SF ERAP.
Home sharing:
Through the Home Match program, HSH supports free home sharing that connects homeowners and master tenants looking to rent a room in their home with individuals seeking affordable housing opportunities.
Home Match is a high-touch service that vets and gets to know program participants and facilitates matches based on shared lifestyle preferences and communication styles. Learn more and apply.
Other programming
- Supportive services: In the future HSH plans to offer housing arrangement coordination, monitoring, and/or delivery of services that will help with housing stability and homelessness prevention, including financial counseling and developing housing stability plans.
- For information about eviction prevention services (led by the Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development), please visit SF.gov.