Eviction is scary, isolating, and overwhelming—but when tenants have access to legal help, everything changes. At the Eviction Defense Collaborative (EDC), we see it every day: people walking into our clinics facing impossible odds, and walking out with support, stability, and sometimes… a second chance at home. This blog shares real stories from real tenants who found themselves in crisis—and how San Francisco legal assistance through EDC helped them fight back, stand tall, and stay housed.
Why Legal Help Matters
Behind every eviction notice is a person—a senior, a family, a neighbor, a worker, someone with a story and a future worth protecting. That’s where we step in.
Last year alone, our legal team:
- Defended more than 2,100 households
- Helped over 3,000 tenants through our legal clinics
- Achieved a 93% success rate in keeping clients in their homes.
That impact is real, just like the people behind the numbers.
How to Get Help from EDC’s San Francisco Legal Assistance Team
If you’re facing eviction or just received court papers, don’t wait. Help is available—and it’s free.
We provide legal support, rental assistance, and guidance to San Francisco tenants who need it most.
Here’s how to reach us:
Visit in person:
- 976 Mission St., San Francisco, CA 94103
- Drop-in Hours: Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri – 10:00–11:30 AM & 1:00–2:30 PM
- (415) 659-9184
- legal@evictiondefense.org
For rental assistance (RADCo):
- edcradco@evictiondefense.org
Even if you’re unsure about the type of help you need, we’ll discuss your options.
Who Can Get Help?
Do you qualify for legal assistance? We provide free legal help to people who are:
- Facing eviction or court papers (Unlawful Detainer)
- Behind on rent or struggling with a landlord dispute
- Living in rent-controlled, subsidized, or informal housing
- Experiencing harassment, discrimination, or unsafe conditions
Even if you’re undocumented, not on the lease, or unsure of your rights, you can still get help. EDC never asks for immigration status, and your information is always confidential.
If you’re unsure, just come in—we’ll help you figure it out.
Real Tenants. Real Impact.
Behind every legal victory is a person whose life was changed. We don’t just see cases—we see people facing one of the most challenging moments of their lives. These stories show what happens when tenants have someone in their corner: a legal advocate who listens, acts, and fights to keep them housed.
These stories remind us that San Francisco legal assistance works and that no one should face eviction alone.
Note: All names in the stories below have been changed to protect our team’s and clients’ privacy.
“You kept your client housed by the skin of their teeth.”
When Maria, an EDC Housing Attorney, represented a tenant facing eviction in court, even the judge recognized the razor-thin margin of victory. With support from Aliya and Anna, the team filed objections and advocated powerfully in court. The tenant stayed housed.
Cathy Fights for Accessibility and Dignity
Cathy’s client, a person with a disability, was pressured into attending an in-person deposition in another county—an unreasonable and distressing demand. Cathy filed a protective order, and the court ruled in favor of a remote deposition, making justice more accessible and protecting the client’s health.
Jacob Reverses a Default and Wins Big
A tenant came to EDC after a default judgment had already been entered against them. Jacob vacated the default, navigated complex legal twists, and, after nearly a year, secured a settlement with favorable terms that kept the tenant safe and stable.
Ted’s Legacy: Nearly 1,000 Clients Served
Since 2019, Ted has been a cornerstone of EDC’s Tenant Right to Counsel (TRC) program. His advocacy helped 946 clients avoid default judgments and access crucial representation. As Ted transitions to a new chapter, we celebrate his lasting impact.
Tamara Stops an Illegal Eviction at the 11th Hour
When a stay was granted but the eviction was still scheduled, Tamara went straight to the courthouse, got proof from the clerk, and hand-delivered it to the sheriff. The eviction was stopped, and the tenant stayed in their home.
Legal Help Is More Than a Court Date—It’s a Lifeline
Our team handles everything from motion writing and crisis counseling to rent repayment support and trial preparation. But what makes their work extraordinary is its delivery: with urgency, care, and a commitment to justice.
- Sonya pushed a complex case to trial and refused to settle for less than her client deserved.
- Lisa stepped up when her mentally ill client was too scared to appear at trial, persuading the judge to remove the case from the calendar.
- John and Jacob negotiated a full rent waiver at trial after settlement talks broke down.
- Madison prioritized trauma-informed support, requesting a private room for a nervous client and securing a settlement that the client felt empowered to accept.
Whether filing a motion on 40 minutes’ notice, reviewing a 200-page evidence packet, or staffing a community clinic late into the night, our legal advocates show up because tenants deserve that kind of care.
Community Clinics: Meeting Tenants Where They Are
EDC also brings legal help directly into the community through off-site Mission and Bayview-Hunters Point clinics. Since its opening in January 2022, the Bayview clinic has provided free legal intake and eviction defense services to over 800 tenants in this high-need area.
These clinics—staffed by folks like Jennifer, Maria, and Edgar—offer tenants counseling, resources, and guidance long before a court case begins.
Get Help Early
When people think about legal assistance, they often picture a courtroom—but we help long before that stage, too.
We can support you with:
- Understanding notices from your landlord
- Responding to warning letters or payment demands
- Requesting repairs or fighting back against retaliation
- Negotiating move-out terms or payment plans
You don’t need to be in court to get help. Getting support early can often prevent a case from ever reaching that point.
Final Thoughts: Legal Help Saves Homes—and Hope
The stories in this blog are just a handful of the lives changed by San Francisco legal assistance through EDC. These tenants were not numbers. They were neighbors, parents, essential workers, and people fighting to stay housed in a city they love.
You Deserve that Same Support.
Don’t wait to reach out if you face eviction or housing insecurity. EDC is here. We’ll fight alongside you and continue to fight for housing justice in every courtroom, clinic, and zip code in San Francisco.
If you’ve been served with court papers or are facing eviction in San Francisco, don’t wait. Legal help is available—and it works.
For Legal Help:
- (415) 659-9184
- legal@evictiondefense.org
For Rental Assistance:
- edcradco@evictiondefense.org
Drop-In Hours (No appointment needed):
976 Mission St., San Francisco, CA 94103
- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday
- 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
- 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
