Housing/Rental Subsidy

Access to affordable housing is one of the greatest unmet needs of people living with HIV/AIDS in San Francisco. Safe, affordable housing provides the necessary foundation for adhering to HIV medication regimens, proper nutrition, hygiene, and emotional stability crucial to maintaining quality of health. HIV positive people who have stable housing are four times more likely to obtain medical care than those without housing.

The San Francisco AIDS Foundation offers transitional housing assistance to almost 400 people living with HIV/AIDS in San Francisco who are eligible for the program (see below for more information on eligibility requirements). Many of our clients have been provisionally housed for significant periods. Without assistance, they would be unable to afford their rental units and would be in grave danger of becoming homeless. Clients in our rental subsidy program are also eligible to receive other AIDS Foundation services such as financial benefits counseling, as well as referrals to supportive services throughout the city, with the goal of bringing them into a network of care and stabilizing their lives and health.

Below are some of the questions we are most often asked by clients and those seeking housing assistance in San Francisco. For more information about our rental subsidy program, please call 415-487-8000.

I am moving to San Francisco. What is the housing situation like for people with HIV/AIDS?

Unfortunately, the housing situation here is difficult and expensive. The centralized city-operated housing wait list for people with HIV/AIDS is closed, and there over 3,000 active people on that list waiting for referral for some type of housing assistance. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in San Francisco is about $1100-$1300/month. Studios average $900 -- $1000/month. Many of our clients either live with roommates or in single-room occupancy hotels.

How do I find out where I am on the Housing Wait List (previously known as CHIPS)?

The majority of clients first come to the AIDS Foundation's Rental Subsidy Program through the Housing Wait List run by the San Francisco Department of Public Health (DPH). The list currently has over 3,000 people and it is closed to new applicants. The best way to contact the Housing Wait List is by phone at 415-554-2690 or by fax at 415-554-2620. The staff will let you know if you are on the list and, if so, what your current position is, and what that means for you.

If you have a case manager or social worker in San Francisco through one of the Centers of Excellence (listed below), you may also be eligible for a referral to the SF rental subsidy program through that person. A case manager or social worker should also be able to help you access your place on the wait list, and may be able to help you make a long-term housing plan.

How else can I obtain housing assistance if I am not on the Housing Wait List?

Currently, there is no centralized system for wait lists at Single Room Occupancy Hotels (SROs) or other low-income housing units. In our lobby at One Sixth Street, the San Francisco AIDS Foundation has some housing opportunities posted on the bulletin board in the reception area.

How can I get a subsidy from the San Francisco AIDS Foundation?

For most of our rental subsidy programs, clients are referred to the AIDS Foundation from the Housing Wait List. Currently, these subsidy programs are full. However, if you are already a client of one of the following Centers of Excellence, you can ask your case manager about the possibility of receiving a rental subsidy. Please be advised that it may be some time before new slots become available.

• Asian Pacific Islander Wellness Center
• Tenderloin Care (TLC)-Continuum
• Native American Health Center
• Lyon Martin Women's Health Center
• Haight Ashbury Free Clinic
• St. Mary's
• Tenderloin AIDS Resource Center

What is Section 8 housing? Is it available in San Francisco?

Section 8 is a federal program that helps to bridge the gap between the cost of housing and the incomes of low wage earners and people on limited fixed incomes through rental assistance vouchers. In San Francisco, the program is managed by the San Francisco Housing Authority. Unfortunately, the San Francisco Section 8 Housing list currently has over 27,000 people waiting for Section 8 openings. The Section 8 Program issues Vouchers based on the availability of funding. The program is currently full and does not anticipate any significant activity in the coming years. According to the San Francisco Housing Authority, it will likely be 2007 or later before any activity may resume.

If you are currently on the Section 8 wait list, you can check your status (in May and December only) by calling 415-554-1205.

You can find out more about the program at the San Francisco Housing Authority website at www.sfha.org.

How do I find emergency housing?

An emergency housing program is run by the Tenderloin AIDS Resource Center. It allows HIV positive clients to stay 28 days with the goal of transitioning to a more stable housing situation after that period. In order to be eligible for this program, a client must be a San Francisco resident, have a local letter of HIV diagnosis, and be registered at certain local referring agencies. If you have questions, please call the Tenderloin AIDS Resource Center at 415-431-7476.