Targeted homelessness prevention falls under the umbrella of Problem Solving services at HSH and is an integral component of a robust Homelessness Response System (HRS). Prevention reduces the overall inflow into the Homelessness Response System (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.
Prevention strategies in San Francisco include:
- Flexible financial assistance: 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.
- Engagement and collaboration with partner systems: working with workforce development, schools, affordable housing providers, and other systems to identify people at highest risk of homelessness.
Future programming will include:
- Supportive services: 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, please visit the SF Service Guide.
San Francisco Emergency Rental Assistance Program (SF ERAP)
SF ERAP provides emergency financial assistance for move-in costs (security deposit, first/last months’ rent) and rent owed for households who meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Current San Francisco resident;
- Household income below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI); and
- At risk of homelessness or housing instability.
As of September 23, 2022, the San Francisco Emergency Rental Assistance Program (SF ERAP) is not accepting new applications to focus on processing the large backlog of pending applications. SF ERAP will resume accepting new applications in late-2022. Program rules are subject to change when the application portal reopens. Please visit sf.gov/renthelp for more information, as well as additional resources for San Francisco tenants experiencing housing challenges.
Flyers: English, Spanish, Chinese, Filipino
SF ERAP is administered in partnership with the Mayor’s Office of Housing & Community Development and local community partners.