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public housing

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Finding Section 8 and HUD-Subsidized Housing
in San Francisco


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Getting a Section 8 Voucher:

The waiting list is currently closed for Section 8 vouchers. The only way to get a voucher is if you are already on the waiting list or if you move with a voucher from another area. There are over 25,000 people on the waiting list. Certain people on the waiting list have preference and will get housing faster. These are seniors or people with disabilities, homeless persons or people living in substandard housing.

Getting into Public Housing:

The waiting list is open for conventional public housing. There are 30,000 families currently on the list however. You can apply at 440 Turk Street. Call (415)554-1200, or visit the Housing Authority's web site for more information.

Getting Housing in a HUD-Subsidized Building:

For this type of building, you apply directly with the management at the building. There are often waiting lists for each building.

Finding Housing with a Section 8 Voucher:

First, get a "Request for Tenancy Approval" (RTA) form from your caseworker.

Next, you must find a landlord who will accept your voucher and charge less than the Housing Authority's payment standard.

You can get an updated list from the Housing Authority of vacant Section 8 units.

Online you can go to www.craiglist.org and click on their housing list. Type in key word "section 8" and enter the size unit you are looking for.

Once you find a unit, have the landlord sign the RTA and return it to your caseworker. Next, the unit will be inspected to ensure that it meets housing standards. This can take as long as a month. Once it passes inspection, you may sign the lease and move in.

Finding HUD-Subsidized Housing:

There is a list of privately, owned, HUD-subsidized housing projects available online at HUD. Type in the state and the city and the size of the rental unit you are seeking in your area. You must apply for this housing directly at the building. Each building has its own waiting list and screening criteria

Finding Other Types of Affordable Housing:

Unfortunately, at this time there is no one place to look for affordable housing in San Francisco.  Here are some places to start your search: 

Go to the affordable housing database, hosted by the Senior Action Network. Click on the "affordable housing" icon on the left.

Affordable units (below market) are listed on the SF Redevelopment Agency's website click here.
You can also get information about available units from the Mayor's Office of Housing.

Call through our list of non-profit housing developers. Many of them take Section 8 or subsidize their units in some way. Ask a counselor for the list.

If you are disabled or senior, you may also want to check the Accesible Housing Clearinghouse

Agencies That Help Find Housing:

Agencies That Help With Deposits and Move In Costs:

Salvation Army: (415)292-7341

Catholic Charities:
Families (415)972-1301
Singles (415)972-1375

AIDS Emergency Fund (415)558-6999

St. Anthony's Foundation (415)241-2655