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Housing help

This page contains an extensive list of resources for general assistance on a number of subjects. You can also dial 211 (311 in San Francisco) to locate a variety of housing resources.

Immediate housing assistance

If you are homeless or in danger of being homeless, you can dial 211 (311 in San Francisco) to locate emergency housing or resources specifically for homeless persons. You can also reach out to one of these organizations for assistance.

Alameda County

Bay Area Community Services
BACS has 24/7 residential programs across the Bay Area, addressing mental health and housing crises with expertise and compassion.
Operation Dignity
Operation Dignity serves the most vulnerable people experiencing homelessness in Alameda County, including veterans and people living in encampments.

Contra Costa County

Marin County

Napa County

San Francisco City/County

SF Service Guide
An independent online resource with comprehensive listings for homelessness and other services.

San Mateo County

County of San Mateo Human Services
The Human Services Agency works with Core Service Agencies to provide individuals and families with basic emergency and support services to stabilize their living situations.

Santa Clara County

HERE4YOU Call Center
The Here4You call center hotline is designed to centralize referrals to temporary housing programs people needing shelter. The hotline operates from 9am to 7pm.

Solano County

Housing First Solano
Information on Resource Connect Solano, to get connected to homeless assistance programs.

Sonoma County

Housing Counseling

If you feel that you need more guidance on the affordable housing application process, you might want to speak to a housing counselor. Housing counselors are trained to lead you through the process.

HUD

HUD Housing Counseling Finder
Use the finder for help with cities and counties not listed here, or to find additional housing counseling resources.

Alameda County

Eden I&R
Eden I&R links people with resources, including health, housing, and human services.

San Francisco City/County

San Mateo County

Housing Choices
Housing Choices provides housing navigation services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities served by the Regional Center.
Project Sentinel
Project Sentinel provides counseling and services for tenants experiencing housing discrimination.

Santa Clara County

Housing Choices
Housing Choices provides housing navigation services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities served by the Regional Center.
Project Sentinel
Project Sentinel provides counseling and services for tenants experiencing housing discrimination.

Section 8 Housing Vouchers and Units

The Section 8 program includes both Housing Choice Vouchers, which are subsidies that can be used for any housing unit, and Project Based Vouchers, which are tied to particular units. Both are issued by local public Housing Authority agencies. Some housing authorities also own and operate affordable housing units.

San Mateo County

211 for Housing-Related Help in the Bay Area

If you are in the Bay Area and need help with your housing concerns, dial 211 (311 in San Francisco) to connect to a specialist for personalized assistance. You can also use the 211 site to browse for helpful organizations.

211 features:

  • Free, Confidential
  • Available 24/7
  • Provides support in multiple languages

211 can help you find these types of services:
  • Affordable housing
  • AIDS-HIV focused housing
  • Anti-discrimination
  • Complaints
  • Counseling
  • Disabilities/Independent living
  • Down Payment/Deposit assistance
  • Emergency housing
  • Eviction prevention
  • First-time home buyers
  • Home foreclosure help
  • Homeowner help
  • Home sharing
  • Home repairs
  • Landlord issues
  • Legal assistance/advice
  • Mediation
  • Mortgage assistance
  • Rental assistance
  • Section 8
  • Voucher programs
  • Veterans housing services
  • Women's services