Everything begins at San Francisco’s Coordinated Entry
step 1: visit a coordinated entry access point
San Francisco uses San Francisco Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing ("HSH")’s Coordinated Entry as the “front door” for all families needing shelter, housing assistance, or other emergency support. At an Access Point, you will meet with a trained staff member who will:
assess your situation and needs,
help you understand what resources may be available — shelter, housing, financial support, problem solving, or referrals, and
connect you (or your family) to the best possible next steps.
Family Access Points in San Francisco
If you are a parent or caregiver with at least one child under age 18, these are the primary locations you must visit or call to receive services.
Central city access point (compass family services)
Address: 37 Grove Street, San Francisco, CA 94102
Phone: 415-644-0151
Hours of Operation:
Monday-Friday 7:00am-5:00pm
Last Thursday of the month: 7:00am-12:00pm
Mission Access Point
Address: 2871 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA 94110
Phone: 415-972-1281
Hours of Operation:
Monday-Friday 7:00am-5:00pm
Last Thursday of the month: 7:00am-12:00pm
Bayview Access Point
Address: 1641 LaSalle Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94124
Phone: 415-430-6320
Hours of Operation:
Monday-Friday 7:00am-5:00pm
Last Thursday of the month: 7:00am-12:00pm
*Hours may change — if you call ahead, you can leave a voicemail with your name, contact information, and preferred language; staff will call back.
What Happens at an Access Point
At the Access Point, a “Housing Problem Solving Specialist” or case worker will talk with you about your family’s situation. They’ll try to help you find the best option available. This might include emergency shelter, hotel voucher, transitional housing, or longer-term housing support.
If shelter isn’t immediately available, they may offer “problem-solving” services — for example: help with back rent, utility bills, moving costs, or referrals to other support networks.
If you qualify, you can receive referrals to programs providing rental subsidies, transitional housing, or permanent supportive housing.
Other Important Supports & Resources
If you’re a single adult or caregiver over 18 — without minor children — you can access services via the adult-focused Access Points of San Francisco’s Coordinated Entry system.
If you are eligible for public-benefits programs like CalWORKs, or local rental/eviction prevention funds, Access Point staff can also help refer you to those resources.
