TIPS for finding housing

• Tip 1: A lot of housing programs require that you pick up the application on site. To have all the information ready when you get the actual application for the program you want visit Transitional Housing And Rules
• Tip 2: Before moving in or signing anything, ask the prospective landlord the following questions: Are utilities, like gas, water, or garbage, included in the rent? What is the total amount due before moving in? When is the rent due? What is the penalty for a late rent payment?
• Tip 3: If you need help paying for the rent, you should apply for GA (cash program for people without children) or CalWorks (cash program to low-income people with children). To see if you are eligible for GA or CalWorks visit City and County of San Francisco Human Services Agency

Types of Housing:

• Emergency Shelter: housing for people to live in temporarily when they either can’t continue living in their current housing situation or are homeless. You can stay there any time from one night to 90 days, depending on the shelter.
• Transitional Housing: housing programs that serve former foster youth, probation youth, homeless youth, runaway youth, parenting youth, youth with mental illness or other special needs, usually ages 16-24, with supportive services. Most transitional housing programs last 18-24 months.
• Permanent Housing: housing that the government helps you pay for. It is either an assigned public housing unit, or a housing voucher, like Section 8, where you choose the apartment or single family home and are responsible for paying a portion of the rent, usually 30-40% of your income. In the Bay Area, there are very long waits for Section 8 Housing and Public Housing.