In San Francisco, rising housing costs, limited affordable options, and increasing eviction rates have left many residents in urgent need of shelter and support. As of January 2024, over 8,300 individuals are experiencing homelessness—a number that continues to grow. If you or someone you know is facing housing instability, help is available. Whether you’re trying to avoid eviction or need a safe place to sleep tonight, this guide will walk you through immediate housing assistance resources, including Navigation Centers, shelters, legal aid, and community-based services.
You deserve support—this is your starting point to take action and find stability.
Emergency Shelters and Navigation Centers
San Francisco has implemented Navigation Centers, a specialized low-barrier emergency shelter designed to provide temporary housing and wraparound support services. Unlike traditional shelters, Navigation Centers allow individuals to stay with their belongings, partners, and pets, addressing common concerns that prevent many from seeking shelter.
Four Navigation Centers served over 1,150 individuals in the first three years after the program was launched, with a 72% transition rate to stable housing.
Key Navigation Centers in San Francisco
- Offers temporary shelter with direct connections to income assistance, public benefits, healthcare, and housing placement services.
- Provides case management and employment resources to help individuals transition into permanent housing.
Bayview SAFE Navigation Center
- Offers emergency shelter and intensive case management for individuals experiencing homelessness.
- Focuses on rehousing assistance, mental health support, and substance use services.
How to Access Navigation Centers
- Call SF311 or visit a drop-in center for referrals.
- Speak with an outreach worker or community ambassador for assistance.
- Some centers accept direct walk-ins, but availability varies.
Navigation Centers play a critical role in San Francisco’s response to homelessness. They offer more than just a place to sleep—they provide a pathway to stability.
Community Organizations Providing Immediate Assistance
In addition to city-run shelters, several nonprofit organizations in San Francisco offer emergency housing, meals, healthcare, and long-term support.
Glide Memorial Church
Tenderloin District
- Daily free meals, emergency shelter bookings, rental assistance referrals, and long-term housing support are provided.
- Offers healthcare services, harm reduction programs, and reentry services for individuals leaving incarceration.
Hospitality House
Tenderloin Neighborhood
- Operates a 30-bed emergency shelter and a drop-in day center, providing meals, hygiene kits, and case management.
- Offers employment services, housing referrals, and mental health support.
Compass Family Services
San Francisco, CA
- Specializes in housing support for families experiencing homelessness.
- Emergency shelters, transitional housing, childcare, job training, and financial counseling are provided.
Larkin Street Youth Services
Various locations across San Francisco
Young people experiencing homelessness often face unique challenges, and specialized help is available. These services offer safe shelter, counseling, education, and long-term housing for youth ages 12–24.
- Emergency shelter, transitional housing, education programs, and healthcare
- Support for LGBTQ+ youth and survivors of violence
- Call: (800) 669-6196
Tip: Youth can drop in at 134 Golden Gate Ave or call to get connected to available beds and services.
How to Access These Services
- Visit a drop-in center like Hospitality House to receive immediate support and referrals.
- Engage with outreach teams who can connect individuals to available resources.
- Contact organizations directly for shelter intake and housing assistance.
These community-based programs ensure that individuals and families in crisis can find emergency housing, supportive services, and a long-term path toward stability.
Step-by-Step Action Plan for Immediate Housing
Taking action quickly can make a big difference when you’re facing homelessness or worried it’s just around the corner. This step-by-step guide to immediate housing assistance focuses on the first 72 hours and is designed to help you find shelter, resources, and support when needed.
You are not alone—and there’s help available right now.
Find Immediate Shelter and Essential Resources
Call SF311
Start by calling SF311, which can check real-time availability for shelter beds across San Francisco.
Visit a Drop-In Center
Head to places like Glide Memorial Church or Hospitality House, where you can access:
- Emergency meals
- Hygiene kits
- Referrals to shelters and Navigation Centers
Go to a Navigation Center
Unlike traditional shelters, Navigation Centers allow you to stay with your partner, pets, and belongings. They offer:
- A place to rest safely
- Help to access benefits
- Case management and housing referrals
Tip: Some Navigation Centers require a referral from an outreach worker or drop-in center, so don’t hesitate to ask for help getting connected.
What to Know Before Visiting a Shelter
If it’s your first time seeking emergency shelter, here are a few helpful tips:
- Bring an ID if you have one—it can speed up the intake process.
- Arrive early in the day to increase your chances of getting a bed.
- Ask shelter staff or drop-in centers for referrals to Navigation Centers or long-term housing programs.
- If you have a pet, ask about pet-friendly options like specific Navigation Centers or outreach programs.
Access to Essential Services
Daily Meals & Groceries
Glide Memorial Church, St. Anthony’s, and SF-Marin Food Bank provide free meals and groceries.
Showers & Clothing
- Lava Mae+ offers mobile showers around the city
- St. Anthony’s provides access to clean clothing and hygiene supplies
Medical Care
Tom Waddell Urban Health Clinic offers free healthcare for people experiencing homelessness.
Pet Support Services
Have a pet with you? Some shelters and navigation centers allow animals, but not all do.
- Check with Pets of the Homeless for support in finding pet-friendly shelters or emergency pet care.
Tip: If mobility is a challenge, outreach teams can help connect you to services on-site.
Apply for Temporary Housing and Financial Assistance
Emergency & Transitional Housing
- Compass Family Services: Emergency shelter and transitional housing for families.
- Episcopal Community Services (ECS): Interim housing and employment resources
- Hamilton Families: Rapid rehousing for families moving from shelter to stable housing.
Apply for Rental and Housing Assistance
- Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP): Funding to help cover overdue rent.
- Season of Sharing Fund: One-time financial assistance for move-in costs and rent payments.
- CalWORKs Housing Support Program (HSP): Rapid re-housing services for low-income families.
Tip: Many programs require documentation. If you’re missing paperwork, ask for help gathering what you need—don’t let that stop you from applying.
Seek Legal Help and Long-Term Housing Solutions
- Contact Eviction Defense Collaborative (EDC) for free legal assistance and tenant defense.
- Seek housing placement support through community organizations.
- Search for Second-Chance Housing Options
San Francisco Second Chance Apartments helps individuals with past evictions find rental housing.
Private Landlords may be more flexible than corporate rental agencies when reviewing tenant applications.
Co-signing options can increase approval rates by demonstrating financial stability.
By following this structured action plan, individuals and families can secure immediate shelter, access financial aid, and take steps toward long-term housing stability.
Eviction Defense Collaborative (EDC)
Free legal support for tenants facing eviction. We can help delay or stop the eviction and connect you to emergency aid.
Housing Placement Support
Work with community organizations that specialize in helping tenants find and keep long-term housing.
Search for Second-Chance Rentals
- San Francisco Second Chance Apartments can help renters with past evictions.
- Private landlords may offer more flexibility than large property management companies.
- Co-signers or proof of stable income can strengthen your application.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are quick answers to some of the most common questions about finding shelter, rental help, and legal support in San Francisco.
What should I do first if I become homeless in San Francisco?
Call SF311 to locate available shelter beds, visit a drop-in center, and seek immediate housing assistance from Navigation Centers.
How can I get rental assistance before losing my home?
Apply for ERAP, the Season of Sharing Fund, or Catholic Charities’ rental assistance programs.
Can I get legal help if I’m facing eviction?
Yes. Eviction Defense Collaborative (EDC), San Francisco Tenants Union, and Bay Area Legal Aid provide free legal representation and tenant advocacy.
Where can I find medical care while homeless?
Visit the Tom Waddell Urban Health Clinic for free medical services, or contact mobile healthcare teams for on-site treatment.
24-Hour Crisis Support in San Francisco
If you’re in crisis outside of regular hours, immediate housing assistance is still available:
SF Mental Health Access Line
24/7 emotional support and connection to mental health care.
- Call: (415) 255-3737
Mobile Crisis Team
On-site crisis response (via 311).
- Call 311 and request the Mobile Crisis Team for help with urgent housing or mental health situations.
Tip: Don’t wait—if you or someone you know is distressed, call immediately. Support is available at any time.
How Eviction Defense Collaborative Can Help
We are San Francisco’s leading eviction prevention, tenant defense, and rental assistance organization. Our services offer free legal representation, shelter eviction prevention, and emergency rental assistance to individuals facing homelessness due to eviction.
Free Legal Representation for Tenants
EDC provides court representation, defense strategies, and legal counseling to tenants facing eviction. Our team uses legal intervention to delay or prevent evictions.
Call: (415) 659-9184
Email: legal@evictiondefense.org
Visit: 976 Mission St, San Francisco, CA (Drop-in hours available Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri)
Emergency Rental Assistance
EDC manages the RADCo Program (Rental Assistance Disbursement Component), which offers financial assistance to help cover past-due rent and prevent eviction.
Email: edcradco@evictiondefense.org
Visit: 976 Mission St, San Francisco, CA (Drop-in hours available Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri)
Shelter Eviction Prevention & Advocacy
If you’re at risk of being evicted from a San Francisco shelter or transitional housing, we can help. Through our Shelter Client Advocacy program, EDC defends shelter residents who’ve received a Denial of Service (DOS) or are in conflict with shelter staff.
- Advocates help clients appeal shelter decisions and navigate a formal grievance process.
- Many cases are resolved successfully, allowing clients to remain in shelter or reduce penalties.
- Support is available for shelter rule enforcement issues, harassment, or service denial.
Call: (415) 669-0284
Email: sca@evictiondefense.org
Visit: 976 Mission St, San Francisco, CA (Drop-in hours available Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri)
Tip: Make an appointment to ensure an advocate can assist you.
Tenant Rights and Counseling
Through its Tenants’ Rights Clinic, we educate renters on San Francisco’s Rent Control and Eviction Ordinance, helping them negotiate with landlords and prepare for eviction hearings.
Immediate Assistance for Illegal Evictions
We intervene in illegal lockouts, landlord harassment, and housing discrimination cases, ensuring tenants’ rights are protected.
Call: (415) 659-9184
Email: legal@evictiondefense.org
Visit: 976 Mission St, San Francisco, CA (Drop-in hours available Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri)
Key Takeaways
Looking for immediate housing assistance or facing eviction can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. San Francisco has a strong network of shelters, legal aid, rental assistance, and compassionate organizations ready to help you take the next step.
With the right support, moving from crisis to stability is possible. Whether navigating temporary shelter, trying to stay in your home, or planning for a more secure future, immediate housing assistance resources are available, and people are ready to help.
Take action today: Reach out for immediate housing assistance, apply for rental support, or connect with a legal advocate. Even one phone call can lead to stability and peace of mind.
If you’re not sure where to begin, start with us—we’re here to help you every step of the way.
- Visit us: 1338 Mission St, San Francisco, CA
- Call: (415) 947-0797
- Email: legal@evictiondefense.org
