If your family faces eviction in San Francisco, you don’t have to go through it without support. Losing housing is overwhelming, especially with kids involved. But the good news is: there is emergency help for families getting evicted, and resources are available right now to help you stay in your home or safely transition to new housing.
This guide connects you with emergency financial aid, legal assistance, shelter programs, and family-centered services—because no parent should have to choose between stability and survival.
Quick Tips for Families Facing Eviction
Eviction can move fast, but with the proper steps and support, you can slow things down, protect your rights, and find the help your family needs. Here are some quick, essential tips to keep in mind:
Need Help Today? Start Here.
Eviction Defense Collaborative (EDC)
- Visit: 976 Mission St., San Francisco, CA 94103
- Drop-In Hours: Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri – 10:00–11:30 AM & 1:00–2:30 PM
- Legal Help: (415) 659-9184 | legal@evictiondefense.org
- Rental Assistance: edcradco@evictiondefense.org
Act quickly—every day counts.
If you receive a notice from your landlord (like a 3-day notice to pay or quit), you do not need to move out immediately, and you may not need to take legal action yet.
At this stage, we can help assess your situation through an intake and explain your rights. However, if you are later served with court papers (called an Unlawful Detainer or UD), it’s critical to act fast—you typically have only 5 court days to respond.
If you’ve been served with a UD, contact us immediately for legal help.
Don’t move out until you understand your rights.
Even if you’re behind on rent, your landlord cannot legally evict you without going through the court process. Never leave your home based on a threat, verbal notice, or intimidation. Always get legal advice first.
You don’t have to do this alone.
It’s okay to ask for help. Whether it’s a friend, case manager, teacher, or shelter worker, reach out to someone who can walk you through the process. You deserve support.
Start with one small step.
If it feels too overwhelming to fix everything at once, just focus on one thing today:
- Make a call
- Send an email
- Ask a question
- Walk into a drop-in center
Small actions can lead to big results when you’re connected to the right support.
Keep all paperwork in one place.
Having everything ready will help legal advocates support you faster.
- Create a folder (physical or digital) to store:
- Eviction notices or court documents
- Your lease agreement
- Rent receipts or payment logs
- Letters, emails, or texts from your landlord
Let your child’s school know what’s going on.
Under the McKinney-Vento Act, your child has the right to:
- Stay enrolled in their current school
- Receive free school transportation
- Get access to meals, counseling, and supplies
- Contact SFUSD’s Students and Families Experiencing Homelessness Program
Take care of your mental health.
Housing loss is a traumatic experience for parents and children alike. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed. Consider:
- Calling the SF Mental Health Access Line at (415) 255-3737
- Reaching out to UCSF Child & Adolescent Services
Rental Assistance Programs for Families
When rent becomes unmanageable due to job loss, medical bills, or unexpected life changes, rental assistance can help prevent eviction or ease a move into safer housing. Here are the key programs available in San Francisco that provide emergency help for families getting evicted:
Eviction Defense Collaborative – RADCo Program
We provide emergency rental aid for tenants experiencing a temporary financial setback.
- Tip: Apply as early as possible—funding is limited, and wait times vary.
- Visit: 976 Mission St., San Francisco
- Drop-in hours: Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri – 10:00–11:30 AM & 1:00–2:30 PM
- Email: edcradco@evictiondefense.org.
Free Legal Help & Advocacy for Tenants
Don’t wait until you’re in court. Legal aid can often stop or delay eviction and protect your family’s rights.
Eviction Defense Collaborative (EDC)
Free legal emergency help for families getting evicted. We can help respond to notices, represent you in court, and connect you with emergency assistance.
- Call: (415) 659-9184
- Email: legal@evictiondefense.org
San Francisco Rent Board
Offers guidance on your rights as a tenant and protections under the Rent Ordinance.
- Call: (415) 252-4600
Emergency & Transitional Housing for Families
If you’ve already lost your housing—or know it’s coming soon—you may qualify for immediate shelter or transitional housing.
Compass Family Services
Offers emergency shelter, transitional housing, and family case management. They also provide on-site childcare so parents can attend appointments or work.
Hamilton Families
Provides rapid rehousing, financial help, and long-term support to families experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
Episcopal Community Services (ECS)
Supports families with interim housing and employment resources during transitions.
Talking to Kids About Eviction or Housing Changes
One of the hardest parts of eviction for parents is knowing how to talk to their children about it. You may be worried about scaring them or unsure what to say, but your honesty, love, and reassurance make a big difference.
Here are a few gentle ways to support your kids through this time:
- Use simple, age-appropriate language – Explain what’s happening without too many details.
- Let them know it’s not their fault – Remind them that grown-ups are working to fix the problem.
- Keep routines where possible – Familiar habits (like bedtime or school drop-off) help kids feel safe.
- Be honest, but hopeful – It’s okay to say you don’t have all the answers yet—but help is on the way.
Tip: If you feel overwhelmed, mental health services like UCSF Child & Adolescent Services can help kids process fear or anxiety during housing transitions.
Family-Focused Services You Might Not Know About
Facing eviction with children adds extra stress, but there are services designed specifically for families. Here are a few you may not know about:
Emergency Childcare & Parenting Support
- Wu Yee Children’s Services: Offers emergency childcare, early education, and family support for low-income families. Call (415) 677-0100.
- Homeless Prenatal Program (HPP): Wraparound services for pregnant women and families with young children—including housing help, diapers, parenting classes, and healthcare. Visit 2500 18th St., SF, or call (415) 546-6756
Where to Get Diapers, Food, and Essentials
When you’re in crisis, you’re not just worried about rent. Families often need help with baby supplies, meals, hygiene products, and clothing. These organizations can help:
- Homeless Prenatal Program (HPP): Provides diapers, baby formula, hygiene kits, and more to families with young children. Visit 2500 18th St., SF, and call: (415) 546-6756.
- San Francisco-Marin Food Bank: Offers weekly groceries, produce, and pantry staples at no cost. Call (415) 282-1900.
- St. Anthony’s Free Clothing Program: Distributes clothing, blankets, and essentials to individuals and families in need. Visit 150 Golden Gate Ave., SF, and call (415) 241-2600.
Help Keep Kids in School
If you’ve lost housing, your child has the right to stay in their current school, even if you move districts. Under the McKinney-Vento Act, your child may be eligible for school stability protections and support.
- SFUSD Students and Families Experiencing Homelessness Program (SAFEH): This program supports transportation, school supplies, and continued enrollment for displaced students.
Getting to Appointments and School
Transportation can be a barrier when you’re in crisis. The good news? Help is available.
- SFUSD SAFEH can provide transportation to and from school for displaced students.
- Compass Family Services and Hamilton Families may offer Muni passes or rides for housing appointments, job interviews, or shelter intakes.
If you’re working with a case manager, ask about transportation support—they may have solutions.
Tip: Even if you don’t currently have stable housing, you still have a right to show up for appointments, court dates, and your child’s education.
Emotional & Mental Health Support for Families
You don’t have to go through this alone. Housing loss is traumatic, and support is available.
- UCSF Child & Adolescent Services: Mental health care for children and teens in crisis. Call (415) 476-7500.
Immediate Support Lines and Crisis Navigation
If you’re in urgent need of help, here’s who to contact right now:
- Call 311 – SF’s 24/7 line for shelter availability, housing navigation, and mobile crisis teams
- SF Mental Health Access Line: (415) 255-3737 – For emotional support and urgent mental health needs
- EDC Legal Help Line: (415) 659-9184 – For immediate legal support if you’ve received a notice or court papers
Language Support and Interpretation Services
Everyone deserves help, no matter what language they speak. Many of the organizations in this guide offer support in:
- Spanish
- Cantonese
- Mandarin
- Arabic
- And more
Ask for an interpreter when you call, walk in, or apply online. You have the right to access services in a language you understand.
Start with EDC, Compass, Catholic Charities, or 311 for multilingual assistance.
Final Thoughts: Help Is Here
Eviction is scary, but your family has options. From legal aid and rental assistance to childcare, shelter, and school support, San Francisco provides emergency help for families getting evicted, explicitly designed to keep households safe and stable.
Take one step today—call, visit, or email. There are people who care and are ready to help you protect your home, kids, and future.
