For When You Need That Extra Support

Sometimes we all need a little help beyond campus. USF encourages students to reach out for community-based resources that can provide practical, emotional, and financial support. These programs, offered through the City of San Francisco and the State of California, are here to ensure your basic needs are met so you can focus on your education and well-being.

Basic Needs

Community programs in San Francisco offer essential services like food assistance, housing support, and emergency aid for those facing financial hardship. These resources ensure that no student has to navigate difficult times alone.

Financial Assistance

Local and state programs provide short-term and long-term financial support to individuals and families in need. These include emergency grants, benefit programs, and ongoing aid to help cover basic living expenses.

CalWORKs

California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids provides cash aid and supportive services to eligible students who are parents. It's designed to help you achieve self-sufficiency while pursuing your education and caring for your family.

BenefitsCal + Student Center

BenefitsCal is an online portal where you can apply for and manage public assistance programs like CalFresh (food benefits), Medi-Cal (health coverage), and cash aid. The Student Center is dedicated to individuals enrolled in part-time or full-time education. It's designed to help us students understand eligibility and navigate the application process.

County Adult Assistance Programs (CAAP)

CAAP provides financial aid and employment services for low-income San Francisco residents who are not eligible for other state or federal programs. It offers essential assistance to help individuals meet their basic needs.

San Francisco Emergency Rental Assistance Program (SF ERAP)

SF ERAP provides financial assistance to tenants who are struggling to pay rent, aiming to prevent eviction and housing instability.

Season of Sharing Program (SoS)

The SoS provides emergency financial assistance to Bay Area residents facing unexpected crises, such as loss of income, illness, or housing insecurity, helping them stay housed and stable.

SFMTA discounts

San Francisco's Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) offers discounted passes and programs for low-income residents and students, helping make public transit more affordable and accessible.

Housing and Shelter

San Francisco provides a variety of short-term and long-term housing options for individuals and families in need of shelter and stability.

Homelessness and Supportive Housing

The Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing connects residents with emergency shelters, transitional housing, and permanent supportive housing to promote safety and self-sufficiency.

Access Points

Access Points are centralized locations where individuals can be connected to city housing programs, case management, and emergency services tailored to their situation.

Emergency Housing Vouchers

Emergency Housing Vouchers provide rental assistance for individuals and families experiencing homelessness or at risk of losing housing, helping them secure safe and stable living arrangements.

Food Assistance

Access to healthy food is vital, and several local programs are available to help.

Food Programs

Community-based organizations across San Francisco provide groceries, hot meals, and nutritional support for students and residents in need.

Food Resources

Online directories and local food banks, such as the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank, help you find nearby distribution sites and meal programs to keep you nourished and supported.

Other resources

Call 211

Connects you with free, confidential referrals for housing, food, and financial assistance programs.

Call 311

Provides non-emergency city services, including reporting local issues or accessing community information.

California ID Card

State identification cards help students verify residency and access benefits or discounts.

Free SF City ID Card

Available to all San Franciscan residents, this ID helps access local programs and services, regardless of immigration status.

SFSU Basic Needs

San Francisco State University's Basic Needs program welcomes students from other campuses to learn from and share regional support options.

Free clothing program

Local Organizations like St. Anthony's and community clothing closets provide free apparel for interviews, work, or everyday use.

Low-Cost Legal Services

Non-profit legal clinics and university partnerships offer affordable or free legal advice for tenants, workers, and immigration cases.

Free Experiences

Get to know SF

SF City Guides: Free walking tours led by trained volunteers, covering neighborhoods, history, murals, and architecture.

Funcheap SF: A daily calendar of free and cheap events, concerts, and festivals around the city.

Free Museum Days: A running list of monthly free admission days at SF museums (the de Young, Asian Art Museum, and more). Check each museum's site before you go, since days, and requirements change.

San Francisco Public Library: A free library card gives you books, ebooks, study space, and programs. Some California library cards also unlock free museum passes through the Discover & Go program.

SF Recreation & Parks: Golden Gate Park, Dolores Park, and free outdoor spaces across the city.

The Presidio: Free trails, overlooks, and views of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Stern Grove Festival: Free summer concerts in a eucalyptus grove.