San Francisco launches emergency rental assistance program to combat housing instability

San Francisco County is set to enhance its emergency rental assistance efforts following a recent government meeting where officials outlined the allocation of $26.2 million in federal funds from the U.S. Treasury. This funding is part of a broader initiative to combat housing instability exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has left many residents vulnerable.

During the meeting, Director Shaw presented an overview of the "Give to SF" housing stabilization program, which has already provided crucial financial support to over 1,400 households. The new federal funds will allow the city to expand this program, targeting households earning 80% or less of the area median income (AMI) and those demonstrating COVID-related financial hardship. Households can receive up to 15 months of assistance for rent payments dating back to March 2020, with a focus on those earning 50% AMI or below.

The meeting also addressed the current eviction protections in place, which are set to expire soon. Under existing legislation, tenants are protected from eviction for non-payment of rent if they pay at least 25% of their rent for specific months. However, these protections will end on July 1, 2021, unless new legislation is enacted. Officials emphasized the importance of keeping vulnerable tenants in their homes and maximizing the distribution of rental assistance.

In addition to the city’s program, the state of California has its own rental assistance initiative, which requires landlords to participate for tenants to receive full benefits. The city’s program is designed to be low-barrier, ensuring that the application process is accessible to those in need.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue supporting the most vulnerable populations, with 81% of the funds from the "Give to SF" program directed to Black and Brown households. As the city prepares to launch its expanded rental assistance program, officials encourage eligible households to apply and seek assistance through available resources.