Need Help Helping? Connect with 311 or 211
If you are working with a family who has needs that you do not know how to support, 311 and 211 are there for you and for them.
SF311. SF311 is the primary customer service center for the City of San Francisco. SF311 operators can offer support in over 20 languages, and are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via phone, web, mobile, and the SF311 Twitter channel. Dial 3-1-1 (within SF) or 415-701-2311 (TTY 415-701-2323).
211 Bay Area. 211 is the most comprehensive source of locally curated social services information in the United States. 211 Specialists are available 24/7 to help people in need and their advocates access local resources and services. To access 211, dial 2-1-1 (within SF), text your zip code to 898-211, or call their toll free number: (800) 273-6222.
Parents for Public Schools’ Comprehensive COVID-19 Resource Guide
We’re giving this one a special call out because the amazing team at PPS-SF has pulled together pretty much anything a local family may need during the COVID-19 outbreak. Includes information in Spanish and Chinese.
Support for Victims of Domestic Violence During COVID-19 shelter in Place order
While staying at home is necessary to slow the spread of COVID-19, home is not a safe place for all people in our community. COVID-19 raises threats of domestic violence, while simultaneously erecting greater barriers for victims to reach out for help. If you know or suspect someone is at risk or being abused, ask how they are doing, listen to what they have to say without judgment, and let them know where they can get help. The local domestic violence programs listed below are still open during the Shelter in Place Order, and are available to serve survivors.
Asian Women’s Shelter. Direct services include a shelter program, language advocacy program, crisis line, case management, and programs in support of underserved communities such as queer Asian survivors and trafficked survivors. 24/7 Crisis Line: 1-877-0880
Community United Against Violence. CUAV supports the healing of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer people that have experienced violence and abuse by other people and /or institutions. During the Shelter in Place Order, counseling services are offered via phone at 415-333-HELP, and via video: contact info@cuav.org to learn more.
Department on the Status of Women’s Resources on Gender-Based Violence During COVID-19 Crisis. Safety tips for people experiencing violence, a list of violence-related crisis line services, and more.
Disaster Distress Helpline. Call 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746 to connect with a trained crisis counselor. Available 24/7 in English, Spanish, and for Deaf/Hard of Hearing.
La Casa de las Madres. La Casa offers a continuum of comprehensive and empowering services to women, teens, and children exposed to and at risk of abuse. La Casa’s 24/7 hotlines: 877-503-1850 (adults), 877-923-0700 (teens), or message their text line at 415-200-3575.
Mujeres Unidas. MUA offers phone counseling and support Monday through Friday from 10 am to 2 pm at the following numbers (Spanish language only): 415-621-8140 (San Francisco), 510-261-3398 (Oakland and the East Bay). They also have a Spanish-language sexual assault crisis line available during the same hours at 415-431-2562.
San Francisco District Attorney’s Office Victim Services Division. Staff are available Monday-Friday from 8:30am-4pm at 628-652-4100 or victimservices@sfgov.org.
Text to 9-1-1. Text to 9-1-1 allows mobile users to send a text message to a 9-1-1 Dispatcher in situations where people cannot voice a call to 9-1-1. San Francisco’s Text to 9-1-1 service is intended primarily for use in three emergency scenarios:
When someone is in a situation where it is not safe to place a voice call to 9-1-1;
When an individual is deaf, hard-of-hearing, or has a speech disability; and
When a medical emergency arises that renders the person incapable of speaking.
In general, people should call 9-1-1 if they can and text 9-1-1 if they can't.
The Riley Center. The Riley Center, a project of the St. Vincent de Paul Society of San Francisco, is a safe, welcoming environment for all survivors of domestic violence, regardless of age, race, religion, sexual orientation, or marital status. 24/7 support line: 415-255-0165.
Services for Justice-Involved San Franciscans
Getting Out and Staying Out. Created by the San Francisco Adult Probation Department, the Getting Out and Staying Out website is the absolute best resource for people who are leaving or who have recently left jails and prisons.
Supporting the Families You Serve
Service providers offer so much more than the programming that takes place day-to-day: you serve as a connector for families in your community who need services and resources beyond those your agency can provide.
We’ve compiled information about the services and resources that in-need families request most often. This is a living page and we will update it often. If you know of a resource that should be listed here please send it to DCYF’s Public Information Officer, Emily Davis, at Emily.Davis@dcyf.org.
Essential Services
Crisis Shelter for Youth - Huckleberry House. Huckleberry House offers continuous 24-hour crisis intervention and resolution services and emergency shelter to high-need youth between the ages of 12 and 17. To contact Huckleberry House directly, please call 415.621.2929 or email hh@huckleberryyouth.org. Huckleberry House also operates a 24/7 Teen Hotline: 415.621.2929.
Food Resources. The City of San Francisco, the SF Unified School District, and Community-Based Organizations are offering food assistance during the COVID-19 outbreak and beyond. Learn about where to get free meals and groceries, how to apply for CalFresh, which grocery stores are open during the Shelter in Place Order, and more.
From SF.Gov: Get Help During COVID-19. This should be your first stop if you or a family you work with is in need of support during the COVID-19 outbreak. Includes information about everything from how to enroll for public benefits to local volunteer opportunities.
San Francisco Department of Homelessness & Supportive Housing. DHSH has put together an excellent, comprehensive guide with resources related to the following topics: homelessness and housing services; food resources; medical resources; legal services; crisis hotlines for a variety of needs; public benefits; eviction prevention; and employment.
San Francisco Human Services Agency’s Essential Services and Contacts. To prevent the spread of COVID-19, HSA’s physical service sites are closed. HSA staff are still available and ready to help meet many essential service needs without interruption by phone and online. Services include community meals, employment help, free diapers, free tax help, and more.
Free LifeLine Cell Phones and Service. LifeLine is a government program that subsidizes phone service for low-income individuals in California. Free smartphones and monthly service will only be issued to CA residents who meet certian income-based or program-based eligibility guidelines.
冠狀病毒服務及資源. 由Donaldina Cameron House創建
Parenting Support
Safe & Sound 24 Hour TALK Line. Parenting is difficult and can be isolating! We are here to help you cope…TALK about it! Operators are available 24/7, free of charge, at 415-441-KIDS (5437).
San Francisco Family Resource Centers. During the Shelter in Place period, San Francisco’s Family Resource Centers are open via telephone and email for parenting support, information, referrals, and connection.
99 Tips for Talking with Your Teenager. For many parents, adolescence brings one of the most baffling experiences of raising a child. The tips on this page were written by Bay Area therapists skilled in helping parents of young people ages 11-19.
affordable Internet access
From SFUSD: Family Technology Information: Internet Access. SFUSD is working with the City & County of San Francisco, community-based organizations, and local philanthropists to expand internet access for students in grades 3-12 who need WiFi to engage in SFUSD’s Distance Learning Plan. In support of SFUSD’s efforts, several Internet providers are offering free and/or low-cost options to SFUSD families.
Getting Online During the Coronavirus Outbreak. List of internet service providers offering low-cost internet services.
Get Connected with Affordable Home Internet Access. Printable flyer from Internet for All Now with guidance in English and Spanish.
Resources for Undocumented Children, Youth, and Families
State of California’s COVID-19 Guide for Immigrant Californians. If you’re an immigrant living in California, here is what you need to know to protect yourself, your family, and your community from coronavirus. Services and public benefits are available to you, some regardless of immigration status.
Relief Funds for Undocumented Workers in California. Legal Aid of California compiled this list of relief funds specifically for undocumented workers who have been affected by COVID-19.
COVID-19 Resources for Undocumented People. Resources compiled by the California Immigrant Youth Justice Alliance. Includes information about undocumented workers’ rights, food resources, health resources, and more.
Mujeres Unidas: Guía de Recursos COVID-19. Información sobre asistencia económica; comida; atención médica; ayuda para inquilinos; y violencia domestica, asalto sexual y salud mental.
Immigrant Legal Resource Center’s Immigration Preparedness Toolkit. This free toolkit offers in-depth yet easily accessible information that outlines the basics about a variety of topics including: rights during ICE confrontations, different types of immigration options available, ideas for building a consultation roadmap, and tips on covering your bases while waiting for relief. Spanish translation coming soon.
Children and Youth with Disabilities
Support for Families of Children with Disabilities. Support for Families has created a comprehensive guide of local resources available during the COVID-19 outbreak for families of children and youth with special needs.
Center on Online Learning and Students with Disabilities. A wealth of resources focused on making online learning more accessible, engaging, and effective for students with disabilities.
Common Sense Education’s List of Best Special Education Apps and Websites. While some of these tools weren't designed specifically for kids with special needs or learning differences, they've been recommended by educators and experts who work with these populations. You'll find apps that address foundational skills, boost social and emotional skills, and help kids with autism follow a schedule. There are also sites that help teachers differentiate learning and access resources for developing language and math literacy.
Complex Child - COVID 19 Resources. Specialized resources to support children who are medically fragile or who have complex medical conditions.