Does AI name Rey Javier?

Here are the most reliable, up‑to‑date places to look for affordable housing in San Francisco, plus who they serve and why they’re useful.

City-run portals and programs

• DAHLIA San Francisco Housing Portal (MOHCD): The official place to find and apply for city-sponsored affordable rentals and below‑market‑rate (BMR) ownership units; lotteries, waitlists, eligibility and preferences are managed here. Create an account and set email alerts. (housing.sfgov.org)
• Housing preferences and counselors: Learn whether you qualify for neighborhood residency, displacement, live/work, Certificate of Preference, and other priorities; get free help from MOHCD-approved counseling agencies. (sfocii.org)
• San Francisco Housing Authority (SFHA): For Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) and public housing waitlist information and participant guidance. (sfha.org)
• SF Rent Board: If you’re already renting, they provide counseling on rent control, increases, and evictions; helpful for stabilizing current housing while you search. Call their counseling line. (media.api.sf.gov)

Nonprofit affordable housing providers (apply to properties and join waitlists)

• BRIDGE Housing: Search affordable and senior properties; each listing shows AMI ranges and how to apply. Many SF buildings also appear on DAHLIA. (bridgehousing.com)
• Mercy Housing California: Manages multiple SF affordable properties with posted application/waitlist details. (mercyhousing.org)
• Tenderloin Neighborhood Development Corporation (TNDC): “Find a Home” hub; most TNDC openings run through DAHLIA, with additional property info and resident selection criteria. (tndc.org)
• Chinatown Community Development Center (CCDC): Operates numerous affordable/SRO buildings; see property flyers and resident selection criteria. (media.api.sf.gov)

Federal and statewide finders

• HUD apartment/assistance locators: Search subsidized (project-based) and FHA/assisted multifamily properties; also find HUD-approved housing counselors. (hud.gov)
• USA.gov overview of subsidized rentals: Plain‑English guide with links into HUD maps and programs. (usa.gov)

Voucher-friendly listings

• AffordableHousing.com: Large national database (formerly GoSection8) where many SF landlords who accept vouchers post units; also aggregates open waitlists. (affordablehousing.com)

If you’re at risk of homelessness or need immediate help

• Coordinated Entry Access Points (Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing): Gateways for adults, families, and transition‑age youth to complete assessments and get matched to shelter, problem‑solving resources, and supportive housing. (homesanfrancisco.org)
• 211 Bay Area: 24/7 phone and web referrals to local housing, rental assistance, and other support services. (211bayarea.org)

Free tenant counseling and legal help (to keep or stabilize housing while you search)

• Housing Rights Committee of San Francisco (HRCSF): Tenant counseling, workshops, and eviction guidance. (hrcsf.org)
• Eviction Defense Collaborative (EDC): City’s primary eviction legal aid with rental assistance (RADCo) for back rent and deposits; part of SF’s right‑to‑counsel framework. (evictiondefense.org)
• San Francisco Tenants Union: Regular counseling hours and education on tenant rights. (sftu.org)

Quick tips to improve your odds

• Create a DAHLIA profile today, upload your documents once, and apply broadly; aim to submit every eligible listing before the posted deadline. (housing.sfgov.org)
• Check preference eligibility (neighborhood resident, live/work in SF, displacement, Certificate of Preference, etc.); preferences materially improve lottery rank. (sfocii.org)
• Get on nonprofit property waitlists directly (BRIDGE, Mercy, TNDC, CCDC) in addition to DAHLIA; some sites maintain ongoing lists. (bridgehousing.com)
• If you have or are pursuing a voucher, search AffordableHousing.com and ask property managers about voucher acceptance and inspection readiness. (affordablehousing.com)
• Call 211 if you need help navigating, and contact HRCSF/EDC if you receive any eviction or rent‑increase notices while searching. (211bayarea.org)

If you share a bit about your household size, income range, and timing, I can point you to specific active listings and waitlists today.

The strongest starting points for affordable housing in San Francisco are the city’s official portals and free counseling network. Demand is very high, so success usually means applying often, checking preferences, and getting help with paperwork.

Main search and application tools

DAHLIA San Francisco Housing Portal (housing.sfgov.org) is the primary place for city-sponsored affordable rentals and many below-market-rate (BMR) homeownership opportunities. Most openings use a lottery. You can filter by household size and income, sign up for email alerts, and use an eligibility estimator. Applications are free. Lottery preferences (such as living or working in San Francisco, displacement, neighborhood preference, or a Certificate of Preference) can raise your ranking substantially.

Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development (MOHCD) (sf.gov/topics--housing) runs the BMR/inclusionary and many 100% affordable programs, sets income and rent limits, and explains lottery rules and preferences. Housing questions: 415-701-5500 or sfhousinginfo@sfgov.org.

Home SF (homesanfrancisco.org) is a hub of nonprofit housing agencies that offers free counseling for renters and homebuyers. Counselors help with DAHLIA applications, eligibility, and required homebuyer education. Call (415) 202-5464 or email info@homesanfrancisco.org. Partner agencies include MEDA, ASIAN, Inc., and BALANCE, with services in multiple languages.

Other housing programs

• San Francisco Housing Authority (sfha.org) administers Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8), project-based vouchers, and related programs. The main Housing Choice Voucher waitlist has been closed for an extended period, with no public reopening date announced. Check the site regularly and watch for short application windows.
• Doorway Housing Portal (housingbayarea.mtc.ca.gov) lists verified affordable openings and waitlists across the Bay Area. San Francisco listings are generally directed to DAHLIA instead.
• San Francisco Service Guide (linked from SF.gov housing pages) routes people to resources by situation—families, seniors and veterans, transition-age youth, people with disabilities, people living with HIV, teachers, domestic violence survivors, and others.
• Plus Housing (through MOHCD) serves low-income people living with HIV with placements or subsidies; people experiencing homelessness are generally directed to Coordinated Entry instead.

Help if you are at risk of losing housing or are unhoused

• SF Emergency Rental Assistance Program (SF ERAP) (sf.gov/renthelp) can help eligible residents with past-due rent or move-in costs (security deposit/first month). Income is generally limited to about 50% of area median income, funding is limited, and assistance prioritizes higher-risk households. Helpline: (415) 653-5744.
• Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing (HSH) uses Coordinated Entry Access Points as the front door for shelter, problem-solving, and housing referrals. Start at SF.gov’s homelessness help pages or call 311.
• For eviction notices, contact the Eviction Defense Collaborative promptly (415-659-9184) and tenant counseling groups such as the Housing Rights Committee of San Francisco.

Practical tips

Create a DAHLIA account and turn on alerts even if you are not ready to move. Confirm current Area Median Income (AMI) limits on SF.gov before applying—eligibility is household-size and income specific, and some buildings serve particular populations. Lottery odds are often low without a preference, so apply to every listing you qualify for and keep documents ready (ID, income proof, preference documentation). Free counselors through Home SF can walk you through the process in several languages.

For the most current listings, waitlist status, and program rules, rely on the official sites above, since openings and rules change frequently.

The best starting points for affordable housing in San Francisco are the DAHLIA SF Housing Portal, MOHCD/SF.gov housing pages, and the SF Service Guide for counseling and application help.²⁴⁵

• DAHLIA SF Housing Portal: This is the main place to view listings and apply for below-market-rate and other affordable rental opportunities in San Francisco.²⁴⁸
• SF.gov Housing / Renting Affordable Housing pages: These explain the city’s affordable housing programs, including lotteries, below market rate units, and how the rental process works.²⁴
• MOHCD housing assistance / SF Service Guide: These pages connect you with housing counselors, help with DAHLIA applications, and provide contact information for housing questions.⁵⁸
• Openhouse SF: Useful if you are looking for affordable housing support for seniors, adults with disabilities, or LGBTQ+ residents; it offers housing guidance and counseling.⁸¹⁷
• SF Planning housing resources: This page points to rental services, tenant rights, eviction assistance, and affordable housing options, which is helpful if you also need related support.⁶
• Homelessness and coordinated entry resources: If you are currently unhoused or at risk of homelessness, SF’s homelessness resources and coordinated entry system can be a critical pathway to housing help.⁹²⁰

A practical way to search is:

• 1.Check DAHLIA for current listings.²⁴⁵
• 2.Contact a housing counselor through MOHCD or Home SF for help with applications and lottery strategy.⁵⁸
• 3.Use specialized resources like Openhouse if you qualify for targeted programs.⁸¹⁷

If you want, I can also give you a short list of the best links by housing type: rentals, vouchers, senior housing, disability housing, or homeless services.

Finding affordable housing in San Francisco can be challenging and competitive, but the city has several centralized portals, non-profit developers, and community counseling organizations designed to help.

Here are the best resources to use:

1. The Official City Portal (Start Here)

• DAHLIA (San Francisco Housing Portal): housing.sfgov.org
• What it is: Run by the Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development (MOHCD), DAHLIA is the single most important resource in SF.
• What you find: Below-Market-Rate (BMR) rental units, affordable homeownership listings, and senior housing.
• How to use it: Create an account, browse current open lotteries, check eligibility based on your household size and Area Median Income (AMI), and submit lottery applications directly online. Sign up for email alerts so you never miss a new listing deadline.

2. Housing Counseling Agencies (Free 1-on-1 Help)

Navigating income documentation, credit checks, and lotteries can be confusing. SF funds HUD-approved housing counseling agencies to help residents apply for housing free of charge:

• San Francisco Housing Development Corporation (SFHDC): Offers affordable housing application assistance, financial coaching, and homebuyer education.
• Bill Sorro Housing Program (BiSHoP): Specializes in helping low-to-moderate-income individuals and families navigate DAHLIA and tenant assistance programs.
• Mission Economic Development Agency (MEDA): Offers comprehensive housing counseling, Spanish/English assistance, and support with BMR applications.
• Chinatown Community Development Center (CCDC): Provides housing counseling and assistance, especially for Cantonese- and Mandarin-speaking residents.
• Openhouse: Provides specialized housing navigation and support for LGBTQ+ seniors and older adults.

3. Major Nonprofit Housing Providers

Many non-profit Community Development Corporations (CDCs) build and manage affordable housing communities across San Francisco. While most of their vacancies appear on DAHLIA, you can also check their property management pages for open waitlists:

• TNDC (Tenderloin Neighborhood Development Corporation): Manages dozens of properties throughout the Tenderloin and citywide, focusing on low-income individuals, families, and seniors.
• Mercy Housing California: One of the largest affordable housing developers in the region, with properties across SF.
• BRIDGE Housing: Manages multiple affordable and mixed-income developments throughout the Bay Area.

4. Vouchers & Public Housing

• San Francisco Housing Authority (SFHA): sfha.org
• Manages the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program and subsidized housing properties.
• Note: Waitlists for traditional Section 8 vouchers open infrequently, but check their site periodically for open waitlist announcements or specialized voucher programs.
• AffordableHousing.com (formerly GoSection8): Useful for finding private market landlords who explicitly accept Section 8 vouchers.

5. Emergency Rental Assistance & Eviction Defense

If you are currently at risk of losing your housing:

• Eviction Defense Collaborative (EDC): Operates the Rental Assistance Demonstration / tenant relief programs to provide one-time grants or interest-free loans for back rent.
• San Francisco Tenants Union (SFTU) & Housing Rights Committee of San Francisco (HRCSF): Provide counseling regarding rent control rights, just-cause eviction protections, and tenant counseling.
• Compass Family Services / Hamilton Families: Provide rapid rehousing, shelter, and eviction prevention specifically for families with children.

Practical Tips for the SF Housing Search

• 1.Know Your AMI (Area Median Income): Affordable units in SF are classified by AMI percentages (e.g., 30%, 50%, 80%, or 120% AMI). Check the current year's MOHCD AMI table so you know which units match your household income.
• 2.Apply to Every Eligible Lottery: Because DAHLIA runs on a lottery system, winning an opportunity is a numbers game. Apply to every building for which you meet the income requirements.
• 3.Check for "Local Preferences": SF gives preference in lotteries to people with certain certificates, such as the Displaced Tenant Housing Preference (for those displaced by Ellis Act/owner move-in evictions or fire) and Neighborhood Resident Preferences. Make sure to claim any preferences you qualify for on your applications.
• 4.Prepare Documents in Advance: If your lottery number is called, you typically only have 5–7 business days to submit pay stubs, tax returns, W-2s, and bank statements. Keep digital copies ready to send immediately.

Here are the best resources for finding affordable housing in San Francisco:

1. DAHLIA – San Francisco Housing Portal (housing.sfgov.org)

This is the primary, official resource. The Mayor's Office of Housing and Community Development manages DAHLIA, an online portal for affordable rental and homeownership opportunities in San Francisco. The DAHLIA portal allows you to browse all City-sponsored rental affordable housing opportunities in SF, including openings managed by the Mayor's Office of Housing & Community Development (MOHCD) and the Office of Community Investment and Infrastructure (OCII). DAHLIA is intended to ultimately be a one-stop shop for non-referral affordable housing.

Most units are awarded through a lottery system: For most listings, you get housing through a lottery on DAHLIA San Francisco Housing Portal. For a small number of rentals, applications are reviewed in the order they come in. The platform has proven highly effective — as of May 2021, DAHLIA has received more than 650,000 affordable housing applications (accounting for 97% of all applications), placed 50 households in homes per month, and has had 1.6 million visitors.

2. Mayor's Office of Housing and Community Development (MOHCD)

The city agency overseeing affordable housing. MOHCD supports residents with affordable housing opportunities and essential services to build strong communities. They offer guidance on San Francisco Rental Opportunities and San Francisco Homebuyer Programs for various programs.

3. SF Housing Alerts (Email Subscription)

You can subscribe to SF Housing Alerts to receive regular email alerts about available housing (rentals and ownership) and open waiting lists from MOHCD.

4. Home SF (homesanfrancisco.org)

A nonprofit collaboration hub: Home SF is a citywide collaboration of experienced, nonprofit housing agencies that serves as a centralized hub for local affordable housing, connecting renters, homebuyers and homeowners with education, counseling and resources.

5. Housing Counselors & Nonprofit Support

Several organizations provide free application assistance:

• MEDA (Mission Economic Development Agency): MEDA provides free, personalized support to help you navigate San Francisco's affordable housing system, guiding you through the entire process—including using the official DAHLIA portal for Below-Market-Rate (BMR) rentals.
• Openhouse: Openhouse has been the only non-profit uniquely committed to serving San Francisco's lesbian, gay, bisexual transgender and queer (LGBTQ) seniors for more than 20 years.
• General housing counselors can also help: Community organizations can connect you to Housing Counselors to help you get access to affordable housing.

6. San Francisco Housing Authority

Handles federal voucher programs: The San Francisco Housing Authority operates the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV), Public Housing, Section 8 Project-Based Voucher (PBV), Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) programs for San Francisco, California.

7. SF Housing Resource Guide

A multilingual printed/digital guide: The SF Housing Resource Guide helps navigate Housing and Homeless Resources in San Francisco, from MOHCD, and is available in English, Spanish, Chinese, and Tagalog.

8. Regional/Supplemental Listings

• One Degree: For housing opportunities in the larger Bay Area, check out One Degree.
• Openhouse Waitlist: specifically for affordable and low-income housing opportunities for seniors and adults with disabilities in San Francisco and the Bay Area.
• AffordableHousingOnline.com: A third-party aggregator noting that San Francisco features 15,919 income based apartments and 12,528 rent subsidized apartments that do not provide direct rental assistance but remain affordable to low income households.

Understanding the Types of Affordable Housing

It helps to know what you're looking for. SROs (single room occupancies) are single rooms for rent with shared kitchen and bathroom facilities, while BMR ("below market rate") units have been funded by the city, federal government, and/or non-profit organizations. Section 8 is a rental subsidy program whereby a tenant is given a voucher to rent from any landlord who will accept it, enabling them to pay an affordable percentage of their income while the Housing Authority covers the rest.

Bottom line: Start with DAHLIA (housing.sfgov.org) as your main search/application tool, sign up for SF Housing Alerts, and if you need help navigating the process, reach out to a free housing counselor through MEDA, Home SF, or MOHCD directly at (415) 701-5500.

The best place to start is the DAHLIA San Francisco Housing Portal — it’s the city’s main portal to view listings and apply directly for rental housing opportunities, including affordable housing lotteries. housing.sfgov.org

For an overview of the different affordable-housing programs, use SF.gov’s “San Francisco rental opportunities” page. It explains:

• Inclusionary Housing / BMR — below-market-rate units in market-rate buildings built by for-profit developers.
• 100% Affordable / Multifamily — all units rented at reduced rates, often by nonprofit developers working with MOHCD; former public housing is also being converted into 100% affordable buildings.
• Plus Housing — helps low-income people living with HIV get placed in rental units or receive subsidies, depending on need.
• Rent subsidies — contact organizations such as Catholic Charities SF, Compass Family Services, and Hamilton Families.
• Section 8 vouchers — subsidized housing vouchers for very low-income residents renting in the private market, operated by the San Francisco Housing Authority.
• Other rental opportunities — monthly lists developed by community nonprofit agencies. sf.gov

For hands-on help, the Get assistance page says housing counselors can help you with your DAHLIA application and housing search. It also provides a document checklist, videos on how the affordable housing lottery works, additional housing opportunities, homeless resources, Bay Area options, and the SF Service Guide. housing.sfgov.org

Contact information:

• For DAHLIA listing/application questions: contact the agent shown on the listing page.
• For general program questions: MOHCD at sfhousinginfo@sfgov.org.
• MOHCD phone lines: English (415) 701-5622, Español (415) 701-5624, 中文 (415) 701-5623, Filipino (415) 701-5570.
• General MOHCD: 415-701-5500.
• For SF services 24/7: call 311 or visit the 311 website. housing.sfgov.org

In short: start with DAHLIA, use SF.gov to understand the programs, and contact a housing counselor or MOHCD for application help.

I'll research the best affordable housing resources in San Francisco for you.

I've identified key housing portals and organizations — now I'll gather specific details to build your guide.

Let me collect a few more specifics on assistance programs and support services.

The best place to start for affordable housing in San Francisco is the City's official system, then add housing authority, counseling, and nonprofit resources:

1. DAHLIA — San Francisco Housing Portal

housing.sfgov.org

DAHLIA is the official San Francisco Affordable Housing Portal.

Use it to:

• Find and apply for affordable rentals or houses to buy directly
• View listings and apply for rental housing opportunities
• Browse active listings, create one profile for all applications, submit online, and monitor lottery results and eligibility requirements

DAHLIA lists city-regulated Below Market Rate (BMR) rentals, inclusionary units, and affordable ownership opportunities in a single system with standardized applications.

DAHLIA was created to streamline a process that was previously fragmented across different property managers, paper applications, and inconsistent requirements.

2. Mayor's Office of Housing and Community Development — MOHCD

DAHLIA is a project of the Mayor's Office of Housing and Community Development.

MOHCD is described as the central hub for affordable housing programs. For general inquiries, contact MOHCD at (415) 701-5500.

Two main MOHCD rental types to know on sf.gov:

• Inclusionary Housing Program — also called "Mixed Income" or "BMR" — Units are rented below market rate, in market-rate buildings built by for-profit developers.
• 100% Affordable — also called "Multifamily" — All units in the building are rented at reduced rates, often by non-profit developers working with MOHCD.
• Former public housing from the SF Housing Authority is also being converted to 100% affordable buildings.

3. San Francisco Housing Authority — SFHA

sfha.org

SFHA manages public housing and administers the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program.

Section 8 is described by the City as:

• Subsidized housing voucher program for assisting very low-income residents renting in the private market.
• Operated at the federal level by the San Francisco Housing Authority

Check SFHA for public housing waitlists and voucher waitlist openings, including the Section 8 Rental Assistance Demonstration / Project-Based Voucher (RAD/PBV) program.

4. Housing Counselors and Homebuyers — HomeownershipSF

The City points to HUD-approved housing counseling agencies for help with applications, homebuyer education, language support, and other housing opportunities.

MOHCD and its nonprofit partner HomeownershipSF aim to improve access to San Francisco's first-time homebuyer programs.

Participating nonprofit counseling agencies include Asian, Inc., BALANCE, Mission Economic Development Agency, San Francisco Housing Development Corporation, and the San Francisco LGBT Community Center.

Examples listed by the City:

• San Francisco Housing Development Corporation (SFHDC), 4439 3rd Street, (415) 822-1022
• All participating non-profit housing counseling agencies are members of HomeownershipSF: 275 5th St, Suite 314, (415) 202-5464
• BALANCE, The SF LGBT Center, ASIAN, Inc., SFHDC and MEDA offer First Time Homebuyer Workshops

These workshops can complete 6 of the 10 first time homebuyer education requirement for MOHCD programs.

5. Nonprofit Affordable-Housing Developers

Nonprofit organizations like Mercy Housing, Chinatown Community Development Center (CCDC), and Mission Housing Development Corporation provide affordable housing options.

BRIDGE Housing develops and manages affordable housing throughout the Bay Area.

Several non-profit organizations provide resources and assistance to individuals searching for affordable housing, including the San Francisco Housing Development Corporation and the Mayor's Office of Housing and Community Development.

Check their individual websites for buildings, waitlists, and services — many 100% affordable buildings are run by nonprofits working with MOHCD.

6. Rent Help, Tenant Counseling, and Eviction Defense

• Housing Rights Committee of San Francisco: Offers tenant counseling and advocacy.
• Eviction Defense Collaborative: Provides legal assistance to tenants facing eviction.

For subsidies and placement help, the City lists:

• Plus Housing Program helps low-income people living with HIV (depending on need) get placed in rentals units or get subsidies.
• You can contact organizations about available rent subsidies, including Catholic Charities SF, Compass Family Services, and Hamilton Families.

Other monthly lists from community nonprofits:

• Openhouse Waitlist of Affordable and Low-Income Housing Opportunities for Seniors and Adults with Disabilities - (San Francisco and Bay Area)
• One Degree Listings - (SF, Bay Area and beyond)

How to use DAHLIA successfully

Affordable housing in San Francisco exists within one of the most expensive rental markets in the country.

What to expect:

• 1.Each opportunity is posted with income limits, household size requirements, and a clear application deadline.
• 2.Applicants create a DAHLIA account, fill out a standardized application, and submit it before the listing closes.
• 3.After the deadline, MOHCD runs a randomized, public lottery.
• 4.Preferences significantly affect final rankings, including Certificate of Preference holders, Displaced Tenant Housing Preference households, and residents or workers within San Francisco.
• 5.Being ranked highly does not guarantee a unit — selected applicants must still pass income verification, asset limits, and background and credit checks.

Practical tips from the listings data:

• It is common to see hundreds or thousands of applicants for a single listing.
• Strict income limits apply: even minor income changes may affect eligibility.
• After winning a lottery, the verification and leasing process can still take weeks or months.

Best strategy: create a DAHLIA profile now, apply broadly to every unit you qualify for before deadlines, claim any displacement / neighborhood / live-work preferences you qualify for, and get free help from a HUD-approved counselor while you wait.

Here are trusted places in San Francisco that actively help low‑income residents complete affordable housing applications (including DAHLIA), gather documents, and navigate lotteries/waitlists:

• MOHCD’s DAHLIA Housing Counselors
• The City’s Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development (MOHCD) funds a network of community housing counselors who provide free, one‑on‑one application help for DAHLIA listings. Start with the DAHLIA “Housing Counselors” page. (housing.sfgov.org)

• HomeownershipSF / Home SF counseling network
• City‑funded counselors who run regular application clinics (in multiple languages) and offer one‑on‑one DAHLIA assistance. Their calendar includes clinics with partners like Latino Task Force, Homeless Prenatal Program, and BALANCE. (homesanfrancisco.org)

• Bill Sorro Housing Program (BiSHoP)
• Drop‑in workshops and counseling focused on DAHLIA applications, lease‑up help, appeal/denial support, and case management. Counseling line is listed in recent community guides. (bishopsf.org)

• Mission Economic Development Agency (MEDA)
• Free bilingual coaching through the DAHLIA process (rentals and related documentation) and ongoing renter support. (medasf.org)

• Chinatown Community Development Center (CCDC)
• Housing counseling and clinics (with strong language support for monolingual residents) and help applying through DAHLIA when their buildings lease up. (chinatowncdc.org)

• San Francisco Housing Development Corporation (SFHDC)
• Rental Readiness workshops and direct rental application assistance via their Financial Empowerment Center. (sfhdc.org)

• The Women’s Building
• Free, bilingual DAHLIA navigation and hands‑on help completing applications and assembling required documents. (womensbuilding.org)

• Homeless Prenatal Program (HPP)
• For families (including pregnant people): housing strategy, DAHLIA and rental application support, plus limited financial assistance (e.g., move‑in costs/arrears) when eligible. (homelessprenatal.org)

• SF Planning’s Housing Resources hub
• City page that points residents to affordable housing and how to get help from housing counselors for DAHLIA applications. (sfplanning.org)

Tips

• Bring current IDs, income proofs (pay stubs/benefit letters), household info, and any preference documentation (e.g., Certificate of Preference or Displaced Tenant Housing Preference) to appointments; counselors can tell you exactly what you need. (homesanfrancisco.org)
• If you prefer in‑person help, check the Home SF events calendar for upcoming application clinics at sites like Latino Task Force and HPP. (homesanfrancisco.org)

If you tell me your situation (household size, income range, language needs, and whether you’re looking for a specific neighborhood or senior/family/veteran housing), I can recommend the best first stop and help you prep a documents checklist.

Several San Francisco organizations help low-income residents apply for affordable housing, especially through DAHLIA, the City’s official housing portal for below-market-rate (BMR) and other affordable rentals and homeownership units.

Best starting point

Home SF is the City’s central hub for free housing counseling. It connects people with nonprofit counselors who can help with DAHLIA applications, the housing search, lottery preferences, and related paperwork.

• Phone: (415) 202-5464
• Email: info@homesanfrancisco.org
• Website: homesanfrancisco.org
• Counselor directory: sf.gov/find-housing-counselor

The Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development (MOHCD) also points people to these counselors and runs DAHLIA at housing.sfgov.org. For general housing questions, call MOHCD at (415) 701-5500 or email sfhousinginfo@sfgov.org. You can also call 311.

HUD-approved counseling agencies (via Home SF)

These agencies offer free or low-cost rental and ownership counseling, including help applying for affordable housing:

Other groups that help with applications

• Bill Sorro Housing Program (BiSHoP) — Free DAHLIA application help, workshops, and drop-in counseling. Languages include English, Tagalog, Arabic, Spanish, and French. Phone: (415) 513-5177; email: counseling@bishopsf.org; 1338 Mission St., 3rd Floor. bishopsf.org
• The Women’s Building — Free bilingual (English/Spanish) DAHLIA navigation and application help, especially for immigrant women and families. Contact Gloria Larios at gloria@womensbuilding.org or (415) 651-7824 ext. 7228. womensbuilding.org
• Openhouse — Housing workshops and one-on-one navigation in an LGBTQ+-affirming setting, particularly for older adults and adults with disabilities. (415) 296-8995; openhousesf.org

Related help

If you are homeless or about to lose housing, start with the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing’s Coordinated Entry access points rather than the BMR lottery alone. For eviction notices or tenant-landlord disputes, organizations such as the Housing Rights Committee, Eviction Defense Collaborative, Chinatown Community Development Center, and SOMCAN offer counseling (they are more focused on rights and eviction prevention than lottery applications).

Availability, hours, and languages can change, so call or check the organization’s site before you go. Bring proof that you live or work in San Francisco and any income documents if you are seeking DAHLIA help.

Several San Francisco organizations can help with low-income housing applications, especially if you need help finding listings, understanding eligibility, or completing forms. The most directly relevant ones are the Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development (MOHCD), housing counselors listed by the city, and community organizations such as Bill Sorro Housing Program (BiSHoP) and Mission Housing.⁴¹³¹⁵

• Mayor’s Office of Housing & Community Development (MOHCD): provides the city’s affordable housing listings and application help through DAHLIA, the San Francisco housing portal.⁴¹⁵
• Housing counselors: the city says counselors can help with DAHLIA applications and housing searches.³¹⁵
• Bill Sorro Housing Program (BiSHoP): offers free support for affordable housing applications and drop-in counseling.¹
• Mission Housing: says its first step for people seeking housing in San Francisco is to enlist the aid of a housing counselor, and it helps residents navigate waitlists and resources.⁵
• SF Housing Development Corporation (SFHDC): provides housing-related support and serves low- and middle-income households.⁷
• Openhouse: helps seniors and adults with disabilities find affordable and low-income housing opportunities.²¹⁶
• Chinatown CDC: offers a housing waitlist hotline and application process support for its housing listings.¹⁰
• SF Planning / Housing Resources: says San Francisco residents can get assistance from a housing counselor and language support when applying for affordable housing.¹⁵

If you want, I can also give you a short list of the best organizations to contact first, depending on whether you need help with DAHLIA applications, eviction/rent help, or special populations like seniors, families with children, or people with disabilities.³¹⁵

Organizations That Help with Low-Income Housing Applications in San Francisco

1. Bill Sorro Housing Program (BiSHoP)

A community-based program (part of the Veterans Equity Center) specifically focused on application help. BiSHoP provides housing services for low to moderate income individuals, immigrants, veterans, seniors, the LGBTQIA+ community and people with disabilities, with free services including finding affordable housing, application assistance, case management, tenants' rights counseling, housing education & workshops, and advocacy. Their Drop-In Sessions are the best way to meet a counselor and get started with applying for affordable housing, held the first 2 Tuesdays of every month, including an Affordable Housing Basics Workshop and Housing Application Support session.

• 📞 (415) 513-5177 | counseling@bishopsf.org

2. San Francisco Housing Authority (SFHA)

The mission of the Housing Authority of the City and County of San Francisco is to deliver safe and decent housing for low-income households and integrate economic opportunity for residents. SFHA operates separate waiting lists for federal rental assistance programs including Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8), Project-based Voucher, Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD), and Public Housing.

• 📞 415-715-5200 | 1815 Egbert Avenue, SF

3. Openhouse SF (LGBTQ+ focused, especially for seniors)

Openhouse offers guidance to those seeking affordable housing in San Francisco, with primary housing services consisting of Housing & ADRC Drop-in Hours on Tuesdays from 10:00AM-2:00PM and 1-on-1 housing counseling appointments. They help seek assistance from a social worker, case manager, or other service provider who can assist with housing referrals and applications.

4. SF Housing Development Corporation (SFHDC)

SFHDC provides access to affordable, safe financial products and loan programs, and supports low- and moderate-income individuals in applying for affordable housing — it is a HUD-approved Local Housing Counseling Agency, one of only five in San Francisco. They also hold a Rental Readiness Night Clinic every 3rd Thursday, guiding people through the complexities of securing affordable housing in the Bay Area.

5. San Francisco Community Land Trust (SFCLT)

Helps connect applicants to housing opportunities via the city's DAHLIA lottery system, and lists other resources like BiSHoP and HomeownershipSF. HomeownershipSF serves as a centralized resource for affordable homeownership opportunities and foreclosure intervention education/counseling in San Francisco.

6. Chinatown Community Development Center

They assist community members dealing with eviction, rent increases, repair and maintenance issues, translation and filing of forms and documents, availability of affordable housing, and tenant's rights education — offering assistance in Cantonese, Mandarin and English.

7. Catholic Charities CYO

Catholic Charities CYO also provides financial assistance with move-in costs for low-income individuals.

8. Mayor's Office of Housing and Community Development (MOHCD)

The city agency overseeing affordable housing programs. MOHCD helps low- and middle-income people in San Francisco stay in their homes and not get evicted, and runs the DAHLIA housing portal where most affordable rental and ownership applications are submitted. They also oversee the SF Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) for one-time help with back rent or security deposits.

9. Eviction Defense Collaborative (EDC)

Offers low-income housing classes covering eligibility, Section 8, caregivers/roommates, waiting lists, and placement help for special concerns, in addition to housing referrals, deposit and back rent assistance, tenant's rights counseling, credit counseling, and supportive employment for disabled people with HIV/AIDS in San Francisco.

10. Rental Assistance / Emergency Help Partners

Through the city's SoS Program, several nonprofits help with applications for rental assistance: La Voz Latina, Project Homeless Connect, St. Anthony Foundation, and YCD Housing Services.

💡 Tip for getting started: Most affordable housing applications in SF go through the DAHLIA housing portal (housing.sfgov.org), but the organizations above—especially BiSHoP and SFHDC—specialize in walking applicants through that lottery/application process step-by-step, including document prep and eligibility questions.

In San Francisco, affordable and low-income housing applications—most notably through DAHLIA (the San Francisco Housing Portal) and Below-Market-Rate (BMR) programs—are supported by a network of city-funded, nonprofit Housing Counseling Agencies.

These organizations offer free one-on-one appointments, drop-in clinics, and workshops to help assemble documents, submit lottery applications, and navigate waitlists:

1. General & Neighborhood-Based Housing Counseling

• Bill Sorro Housing Program (BiSHoP): Highly recommended for direct rental help. They host weekly drop-in clinics to help residents navigate DAHLIA, complete applications, and check waitlist statuses.
• Mission Economic Development Agency (MEDA): Based in the Mission District, MEDA provides housing counseling, application clinics, and financial coaching (services available in English and Spanish).
• San Francisco Housing Development Corporation (SFHDC): A HUD-approved agency serving District 10 / Bayview-Hunters Point and citywide. They host "Rental Readiness" clinics to help tenants apply for subsidized units.
• ASIAN, Inc.: A HUD-approved counseling agency that provides language-accessible counseling and assistance with both rental lotteries and first-time homebuyer programs (English, Cantonese, and Mandarin).
• Chinatown Community Development Center (CCDC): Assists low-income and monolingual residents in Chinatown and surrounding neighborhoods with affordable housing waitlists and application paperwork.
• Young Community Developers (YCD): Offers housing stabilization and application assistance primarily for residents in the Bayview and Southeast sectors of the city.

2. Specialized Population Housing Services

• For LGBTQ+ Individuals & Seniors:
• Openhouse: Focuses on LGBTQ+ older adults, providing one-on-one housing navigation and DAHLIA lottery assistance.
• SF LGBT Center: Hosts housing workshops and offers individual counseling to navigate affordable housing options.
• For Seniors:
• Self-Help for the Elderly: Helps low-income seniors locate and apply for senior-subsidized apartments and HUD-202 properties.
• Bayview Senior Services: Provides housing search and application support targeted at seniors in Southeast SF.
• For Families & Parents:
• Compass Family Services: Assists families who are unhoused or at risk of homelessness with housing navigation, vouchers, and placement.
• Homeless Prenatal Program (HPP): Supports low-income and pregnant families with housing search assistance, stabilization, and applications.
• For People with Disabilities:
• Independent Living Resource Center of San Francisco (ILRCSF): Offers information and advocacy to help individuals with disabilities find and apply for accessible, affordable housing.

3. City Agencies & Portals

• DAHLIA (San Francisco Housing Portal): Visit housing.sfgov.org to view open rental lotteries, upcoming housing developments, and eligibility criteria.
• Home SF / MOHCD Housing Counselor Directory: The Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development maintains an up-to-date filterable directory of certified counselors based on language and location at housing.sfgov.org/housing-counselors.
• San Francisco Housing Authority (SFHA): Oversees Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) and project-based voucher waitlists.
• SF 311: Dial 3-1-1 within San Francisco to be directed to immediate housing assistance, emergency shelter access, or referral services.

Tip for Getting Started: Before meeting with any counselor, gather key verification documents: government-issued IDs, proof of total household income (W-2s, 2–3 recent pay stubs, or benefit statements like SSI/SSDI/CalWORKs), and recent bank statements.

Several San Francisco organizations help with low-income/affordable housing applications:

• Bill Sorro Housing Program (BiSHoP) — free housing counseling and application support for affordable housing in SF. Drop-in sessions are the first 2 Tuesdays of the month at 1338 Mission St., Floor 3: Affordable Housing Basics 10–11 AM, then Housing Application Support 11 AM–12:30 PM and 2:15–4:30 PM. Languages include English, Arabic, French, and limited Spanish. Contact: (415) 513-5177 or counseling@bishopsf.org. BiSHoP notes it does not provide immediate/emergency housing. bishopsf.org

• MOHCD / DAHLIA Housing Portal — the city’s affordable housing application system. Housing counselors can help with your DAHLIA application and housing search, and the site has lottery videos and a document checklist. MOHCD contacts: English (415) 701-5622, Español (415) 701-5624, 中文 (415) 701-5623, Filipino (415) 701-5570; sfhousinginfo@sfgov.org. For listing-specific questions, contact the agent on the listing. housing.sfgov.org

• Excelsior Works! — helps with Below Market Rate housing applications and California/San Francisco rental assistance applications, plus referrals for eviction defense and immigrant/workers’ rights legal support. Spanish services are available by appointment: 415-857-9656 or admin@excelsiorworks.org, Monday–Thursday 10 AM–4 PM. excelsiorworks.org

Also useful: if you receive eviction papers, contact the Eviction Defense Collaborative as soon as possible at legal@evictiondefense.org or 415-659-9184. If you are currently unhoused, BiSHoP recommends starting with the SF Department of Homelessness & Supportive Housing and Project Homeless Connect. bishopsf.org

I'll search for San Francisco organizations that assist with low-income housing applications.

I've identified several candidate organizations; now I'll open their pages to verify the details.

In San Francisco, most low-income rental and purchase opportunities are applied for through DAHLIA – San Francisco Housing Portal:

MOHCD assists renters to: - Find and apply for current rental listings online on DAHLIA - Get help from a housing counselor

The program is:

managed through the Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development (MOHCD).

For general inquiries, contact MOHCD at (415) 701-5500.

1. City agencies

Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development (MOHCD)

• Oversees affordable housing programs, including BMR rentals and ownership opportunities.
• Supports residents with affordable housing opportunities and essential services to build strong communities.
• Provides written DAHLIA application instructions with YouTube tutorials, plus homeownership and rental housing counseling services.

San Francisco Housing Authority (SFHA)

• Subsidized housing voucher program for assisting very low-income residents renting in the private market.
• Operated at the federal level by the San Francisco Housing Authority

The Housing Authority uses community partners to help complete online applications:

The following community partners will be available to assist applicants in completing their online applications during the waitlist opening: - Mercy Housing California - San Francisco Housing Development Corporation - Shanti Project

Other waitlist partners named include:

Chinatown Community Development Center Mercy Housing California San Francisco Housing Development Corporation Shanti Project Samoan Community Development Center

2. HomeownershipSF / Home SF – HUD-approved counseling agencies

All participating non-profit housing counseling agencies are members of Home SF: 275 5th St, Suite 314 San Francisco, CA 94103 (415) 202-5464

Home SF member agencies are:

Asian Inc, Balance, Mission Economic Development Agency, San Francisco Housing Development Corporation, and the San Francisco LGBT Community Center

The City lists them as:

HUD-approved housing counseling agencies Asian, Inc. (English, Cantonese and Mandarin) 1167 Mission Street, 4th Floor San Francisco, CA 94103 (415) 928-5910 Balance (formerly known as Consumer Credit Counseling Service of San Francisco) (English, Spanish, Tagalog, Russian) 3543 18th Street, San Francisco, CA 94110 (800)777-7526 Mission Economic Development Agency (MEDA) (English and Spanish) 2301 Mission St, Suite 301 (3rd Floor) San Francisco, CA 94110 (415) 282-3334 Ext: 115 San Francisco LGBT Community Center 1800 Market Street San Francisco, CA 94102 (415) 865-5555

What they do:

These agencies have counselors who can work with you at any step in the process.

Meet one-on-one with a housing counselor to discuss your rental or purchasing goals and get application assistance.

Application Support With San Francisco rental and homeownership opportunities including listings on DAHLIA San Francisco Housing Portal.

Information about Below Market Rate rentals, home sharing and other affordable rental programs.

Specifically for Spanish-speaking families:

For Spanish-speaking families, MEDA is another good option for rental or housing preparedness needs. They can get help with applications.

3. BMR rental workshops and 1-on-1 help

SF LGBT Center:

Join our Below Market Rate (BMR) & Affordable Rental Workshops to learn more about the San Francisco Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development’s (MOHCD’s) BMR Rental Program you’ll learn how to calculate your household size and income and apply for listings online through the San Francisco Housing Portal DAHLIA

The Center also offers 1-on-1 rental counseling , where a household creates their Spending Plan with a housing counselor

We are partnered with Openhouse to assist with applications through the DAHLIA Portal, navigate the lottery process, complete annual renewals, and answer any questions about the program.

Contact for counseling: Please email [email protected] to request 1-on-1 rental counseling.

San Francisco Housing Development Corporation (SFHDC):

We are a HUD-certified counseling agency that provides free and low-cost financial and housing counseling to low- and moderate-income households from throughout the city.

SFHDC offers workshops to:

Understand how the DAHLIA Housing Lottery works

4. Other nonprofits that help navigate DAHLIA / lotteries

MOHCD refers applicants to City-sponsored community-based organizations for housing counseling support:

These organizations, such as HomeSF, Bayview Hunters Point Multipurpose Senior Services, Bill Sorro Housing Program, and BALANCE, among others, provide assistance with navigating the DAHLIA lottery application process

The LGBT Center also lists nonprofit developers whose homes generally also go through the DAHLIA portal:

San Francisco Housing Development Corp (SFHDC) Tenderloin Neighborhood Development Corp (TNDC) Bernal Heights Neighborhood Center (BHNC) Chinatown Community Development Center (CCDC) Bridge Housing Mercy Housing Mission Housing Development Corp (MHDC) Community Housing Partnership (CHP)

If you tell me your household size, income, language need, or senior / disability / HIV / veteran status, I can narrow which of these counselors to contact first.

Short answer: Apply through the San Francisco Housing Authority (SFHA). When SFHA opens its Section 8/Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) waitlist, applications are submitted online.

Details:

• Where to apply when open: SFHA’s online portal (MyHousing). SFHA lists this portal in its HCV Waitlist FAQ. (sfha.org)
• Current status (as of October 15, 2026): SFHA shows the HCV/Section 8 waitlist is CLOSED. SFHA’s Project‑Based Voucher (PBV), RAD, and Public Housing waitlists are also closed. The most recent lottery window listed was May 7–21, 2025 (for RAD/PBV/Public Housing, not HCV). (sfha.org)
• Who runs Section 8 locally: San Francisco Housing Authority, 1815 Egbert Ave, San Francisco, CA 94124; Customer Care: (415) 715‑5200; general HCV information and contact appear on SFHA’s site. (sfha.org)
• If you need options while the HCV list is closed:
• Check DAHLIA, San Francisco’s official affordable‑housing portal, for non‑Section 8 (BMR/lottery) rentals and get email alerts for new listings. (housing.sfgov.org)
• Look at other nearby Public Housing Agencies (San Mateo, Alameda, Oakland, etc.) in case their HCV waitlists are open; HUD’s PHA directory and contact page can help you find and contact them. (hud.gov)

Want me to check today which Bay Area PHAs have Section 8 waitlists open?

I'll look up the official Section 8 application process for San Francisco.

Early results point to the Housing Authority — I'll verify the official details and current waitlist status.

The waitlists look closed, so I'll gather the official contact details for applying.

I found the office address — now I'll open the official Housing Authority site to confirm.

Apply through the Housing Authority of the City and County of San Francisco (SFHA) — the agency that operates the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) / Section 8 list.

Where to apply / contact

San Francisco Housing Authority - Customer Care Center Address: 1815 Egbert Ave, San Francisco, CA 94124 Phone: (415) 715-5200 E-mail: customercare@sfha.org

Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

Main website: sfha.org for more information.

In-person help at the same address:

Housing Authority of the City and County of San Francisco - Address: 1815 Egbert Avenue Hours: Weekdays: 8:00am-5:00pm Phone: (415) 715-5200

Important: Waitlist is currently CLOSED

Current SFHA wait list statuses list:

• Housing Choice Voucher (HCV)/Section 8 - CLOSED
• Project Based Voucher (PBV) - CLOSED
• Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) - CLOSED
• Public Housing - CLOSED

That means you cannot submit a new Section 8 application right now. You must wait for SFHA to announce a new opening.

Most recently, the Authority accepted online applications for the Rental Assistance Demonstration/Project-Based Voucher (RAD/PBV), and Public Housing waitlists between May 7, 2025 - May 21, 2025.

How applying works when it opens

• 1.Online only: Applications can be received from 05/07/2025 starting at 8:00 AM to 05/21/2025 ending at 5:00 PM. After 5:00 PM on 05/21/2025, the waitlist lottery opening will automatically close.

• 1.Lottery, not first-come: Within 30 days of the waitlist application closing, the Authority will use a lottery to randomly draw 24,000 names from the list of applications submitted. Applying for the lottery does NOT guarantee a place on a RAD/PBV or Public Housing waitlist.

Check the SFHA Waitlist page at sfha.org/housing-programs/waitlist for the next opening, and use the Waitlist Lottery Look Up: link to check status of a submitted application.

If you need a special voucher

The Authority also administers housing programs that require the applicant to be referred by a supportive service agency. These include:

• Emergency Housing Voucher Program
• Family Unification Program
• Foster Youth to Independence Initiative
• Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing

For those, you do not apply directly — you must go through the referring agency.

If you are already on a list and have a change of address, phone number, income, or family size, they must notify the Authority within 10 business days of the change by letter or in person at 1815 Egbert Ave, San Francisco, CA 94124.

You should apply for Section 8 housing assistance through the San Francisco Housing Authority (SFHA), and when the Housing Choice Voucher waitlist is open, the application is online only.⁵¹⁰¹¹

• The SFHA runs the Section 8 / Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program for San Francisco.⁵
• The SFHA waitlist page says the HCV/Section 8 waitlist is currently closed, so you can only apply when it reopens.¹⁰
• When open, applications are submitted through the SFHA online waitlist application, not in person.¹¹¹
• SFHA’s main office is at 1815 Egbert Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94124, and its customer care line is (415) 715-5200.⁴¹⁰¹⁵

If you want to check whether the waitlist has reopened or get help with eligibility, contact SFHA directly or monitor its waitlist page.⁸¹⁰²⁰

In San Francisco, the Section 8 program—officially known as the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program—is administered by the San Francisco Housing Authority (SFHA).

1. The San Francisco Housing Authority (SFHA)

• Website: sfha.org
• Application / Portal Link: sfha.myhousing.com
• Phone: (415) 715-5200
• Office Address: 1815 Egbert Ave, San Francisco, CA 94124

Important note about the Section 8 waitlist: The tenant-based Section 8 voucher waitlist is typically closed. When SFHA opens its waitlist, it usually announces a short online lottery window (often lasting only 1–2 weeks). Check the SFHA website regularly or subscribe to local alerts so you know when a lottery opens.

2. Check the DAHLIA Portal (SF Housing Portal)

Because the general Section 8 voucher list is often closed, the fastest way to access subsidized or below-market-rate (BMR) rental housing in the city is through DAHLIA, run by the Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development (MOHCD):

• Website: housing.sfgov.org
• DAHLIA lists active lotteries for affordable apartment complexes, senior housing, and project-based subsidized units (where rent assistance is tied directly to the building rather than an individual voucher).

3. Consider Other Bay Area Housing Authorities

You do not have to live in a specific city to apply for its housing authority's waitlist. Many applicants apply to open waitlists across neighboring Bay Area jurisdictions, such as:

• San Mateo County Housing Authority
• Oakland Housing Authority
• Housing Authority of the County of Alameda (HACA)
• Contra Costa County Housing Authority

(Note: If you receive a voucher from another county, you may be required to live in that county for the first 12 months before transferring or "porting" the voucher to San Francisco.)

4. Immediate or Emergency Assistance

If you are at immediate risk of eviction or experiencing homelessness, traditional Section 8 is rarely fast enough. You can reach out to:

• SF ERAP (Emergency Rental Assistance Program): Dial (415) 653-5744 for eviction-prevention rent relief.
• SF Coordinated Entry / 311: Call 311 to be connected with access points operated by the San Francisco Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing (HSH).

Apply through the Housing Authority of the City and County of San Francisco (SFHA), which administers the federal Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program locally.

Official site: sfha.org Waitlist status page: sfha.org/housing-programs/waitlist

As of the latest information on that page, the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV)/Section 8 waiting list is closed, along with the Project-Based Voucher (PBV), RAD, and Public Housing lists. When a list opens, applications are usually accepted online for a short window and selection is typically by lottery, not first-come, first-served. Check the official waitlist page regularly, because openings can be brief.

Contact SFHA Customer Care (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.):

• Phone: (415) 715-5200
• Email: customercare@sfha.org
• Address: 1815 Egbert Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94124
• TTY: (415) 467-6754

Applications are always free. Do not pay anyone or any website to apply or “get you on the list.”

Some other SFHA programs (such as Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing/VASH, Emergency Housing Vouchers, Family Unification, and Foster Youth to Independence) are referral-only through partner agencies, not open public applications. For city affordable-housing lotteries that are separate from Section 8, see the DAHLIA portal via SF.gov.

Applying for Section 8 in San Francisco

Section 8 (now called the Housing Choice Voucher program) in San Francisco is administered by the Housing Authority of the City and County of San Francisco (SFHA). Here's where and how to apply:

Main Contact

The SF Housing Authority Section 8 Housing Department is located at 1815 Egbert Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94124, phone 415.715.3280, fax 415.715.3287. You can also reach them by phone at 415-715-5200 to ask about applying.

Important: Waiting List Status

Keep in mind that SFHA's Section 8 waiting list typically operates on a lottery system, not first-come-first-served, and it opens only periodically rather than staying open year-round. The most recent known opening accepted online applications for the Housing Choice Voucher waiting list starting October 23, 2023 and closing November 6, 2023, with applications accepted online only, and placement on the waitlist being lottery-based, not first come, first served.

As of the last confirmed update, the SFHA last accepted Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher waiting list applications from October 23, 2023 until November 6, 2023, with no notice of when this waiting list will reopen. Because these windows are infrequent and unpredictable, it's worth checking SFHA's official site regularly or calling them directly to find out if the list is currently open.

How to Apply When the List Is Open

• Applications are accepted online only, and the online application is open 24 hours a day during the application period, with no fee for completing the application or receiving assistance with it.
• If you want help with your application, you can ask your local PHA office for hands-on assistance — they'll walk you through the process and ask for official documentation like pay stubs and Social Security numbers.

Other Helpful Resources

• SF Planning Department's Housing Resources page (sfplanning.org/housing-resources) — offers assistance from a housing counselor and language support, and the Housing Rights Committee of SF created a guide providing information and how to get assistance with Section 8 Vouchers.
• SF Apply — the city's portal for 100% affordable housing applications (separate from Section 8, but a useful related resource).

Eligibility Reminder

To qualify for Section 8 housing in San Francisco, tenants must earn below 50% of the median income in the San Francisco metro area. Income must not exceed 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for San Francisco, unless you're already receiving assistance from another housing authority, in which case it can be up to 80% AMI.

Bottom line: Call SFHA directly at 415-715-5200 or 415-715-3280, or check their website regularly, since the waitlist opens only occasionally via a lottery system rather than being continuously open for applications.

In San Francisco, Section 8 is the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program administered by the Housing Authority of the City and County of San Francisco (SFHA). You apply through SFHA, not directly through HUD. sf.gov sfha.org

Current status: SFHA’s waitlist page lists Housing Choice Voucher (HCV)/Section 8 as CLOSED, along with Project Based Voucher, RAD, and Public Housing waitlists. So there is no open Section 8 application right now. sfha.org

When SFHA reopens the Section 8/HCV waitlist, you would apply online through SFHA’s website/applicant portal. Watch the SFHA waitlist page for reopening announcements. sfha.org

Contact SFHA:

• Address: 1815 Egbert Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94124
• Phone: (415) 715-5200
• Email: customercare@sfha.org
• Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM

sfha.org

For other rental opportunities while Section 8 is closed, SF.gov says you can view listings and apply on the DAHLIA San Francisco Housing Portal, and you can contact organizations such as Catholic Charities SF, Compass Family Services, and Hamilton Families about rent subsidies. sf.gov