Targeted Homelessness Prevention

Targeted homelessness prevention 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. 
• See information below regarding the San Francisco Emergency Rental Assistance Program
• 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 at/below 50% of Area Median Income (AMI)
• At high risk of homelessness or housing instability.
• If applying for assistance with back rent owed: Experienced a recent financial hardship within the past six months

As of February 28, 2023, the San Francisco Emergency Rental Assistance Program (SF ERAP) is accepting new applications. Please note that program rules have changed due to limited program capacity and SF ERAP will not be able to serve every household who meets minimum eligibility requirements. Please visit sf.gov/renthelp for more information, as well as additional resources for San Francisco tenants experiencing housing challenges.

If you have received any eviction papers, immediately contact the Eviction Defense Collaborative at 415-659-9184 or legal@evictiondefense.org

SF ERAP is administered in partnership with the Mayor’s Office of Housing & Community Development and local community partners.