Skip to content
Bay EvidenceInvestigative research · Bay Area public systems
Send a tip
In immediate danger, call 911. Mental health or suicide crisis: call or text 988.
Bay Evidence · Public service directory

Get Help in the three-county coverage area

Start with your county. Bay Evidence currently prioritizes Alameda, San Francisco, and Contra Costa so the directory can be kept current rather than pretending to offer equally deep coverage everywhere.

Important: Bay Evidence is an independent research publication, not an emergency, shelter-placement, or case-management provider. Capacity, eligibility, hours, and intake rules change. Call before traveling and verify directly with the program.
County-first entry

Choose the county where you need services

Alameda County

Call 211

Use 211 for housing, shelter, food, benefits, and coordinated-entry referrals. If 211 cannot be dialed, Alameda County 211 also publishes 1-888-886-9660.

Call 211
Official source: 211 Alameda County ↗
San Francisco County

Start with 311 or an HSH Access Point

San Francisco uses population-specific shelter and Coordinated Entry pathways. 311 can provide current shelter and street-service information; HSH Access Points connect people to housing services, shelter, and resources.

Call 311
Official source: SF.gov homeless services ↗
Contra Costa County

Call 211 or text HOPE to 20121

Contra Costa Coordinated Entry can be reached through 211, CARE Centers, or CORE outreach. CORE is not an emergency response service.

Call 211Text HOPE → 20121
Official source: Contra Costa Health ↗

How access labels work

Walk-in: visit during posted hours; no referral listed.

Call first: phone before traveling.

Call or email: contact the program directly for intake.

Referral: a case manager, hospital, coordinated-entry program, or other provider must refer you.

33 resources
  • VERIFIEDCall firstRegionalAlamedaContra Costa

    911 Emergency

    Emergency Services
    Emergency response
    Call 911
    Hours
    24 hours, 7 days
    Service area
    Everywhere in the United States

    For immediate threats to life, fire, or violent emergencies.

    Last verified: 2026-07-27 · Universal emergency number · HELP-REG-0001
  • VERIFIEDCall firstRegionalAlamedaContra Costa

    Mental health crisis line

    988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
    Crisis interventionSuicide prevention
    Call 988Text 988
    Hours
    24 hours, 7 days
    Service area
    National

    Call or text 988. Also available via chat at 988lifeline.org.

    Last verified: 2026-07-27 · source ↗ · HELP-REG-0002
  • VERIFIEDCall firstStatewideRegional

    Safety planning and crisis support

    National Domestic Violence Hotline
    Crisis supportSafety planningConfidential shelter referral
    Call 1-800-799-7233Text START to 88788
    Hours
    24 hours, 7 days
    Service area
    National

    Bay Evidence does not publish domestic-violence shelter locations. The hotline provides confidential safety planning and connects callers to local shelters directly.

    Last verified: 2026-07-27 · source ↗ · HELP-CAL-0002
  • VERIFIEDCall firstRegionalContra CostaMarin

    211 information and referral (regional)

    211 Bay Area
    Information and referralHousingFoodHealthcareUtilitiesCoordinated-entry navigation
    Call 211
    Hours
    24 hours, 7 days
    Service area
    Bay Area (most counties)

    Dial 211 for referrals to local housing, food, health, and other services. 211 does not itself guarantee a shelter placement — it navigates callers to the appropriate coordinated-entry system.

    Last verified: 2026-07-27 · source ↗ · HELP-REG-0003
  • VERIFIEDCall firstAlameda

    Alameda County 211 (dial 211 or 1-888-886-9660)

    Eden I&R — 211 Alameda County
    Information and referralCoordinated Entry navigationHousingShelterFoodTransportationHealthcareLegal assistanceChildcareJob trainingUtilitiesReentry
    Call 1-888-886-9660
    Hours
    24 hours, 7 days
    Service area
    Alameda County

    Dial 211 from any Alameda County phone; if you cannot dial 211, call 1-888-886-9660. Free, confidential, 24/7. 211 can explain Alameda County Coordinated Entry and connect callers to current openings — it is the primary first step for most people seeking housing or shelter in the county. 211 does not itself guarantee a shelter bed.

    Last verified: 2026-07-27 · source ↗ · HELP-ALA-0003
  • VERIFIEDReferral requiredAlameda

    Alameda County continuum of care (planning body)

    Alameda County EveryOne Home
    System coordinationCoordinated Entry planning
    Service area
    Alameda County

    EveryOne Home coordinates Alameda County's homelessness response system. It is not a direct-service or intake line. People seeking help should call 211 or 1-888-886-9660.

    Last verified: 2026-07-27 · source ↗ · HELP-ALA-0001
  • VERIFIEDCall or emailAlamedaContra CostaSolano

    BACS main intake and information

    Bay Area Community Services (BACS)
    InformationReferralProgram intake
    Call 510-613-0330bacs@bayareacs.org
    Hours
    Business hours; call or email for current details
    Service area
    Alameda, Contra Costa, and Solano counties

    General entry point for BACS. Most housing programs are accessed through Coordinated Entry (call 211) rather than directly through BACS. The Shallow Subsidy Program is closed to new participants.

    Last verified: 2026-07-27 · source ↗ · HELP-ALA-0002
  • VERIFIEDWalk-in during hoursAlameda

    Fremont Homeless Wellness Center

    Bay Area Community Services (BACS)
    Supportive housing servicesPeer supportClassesDaytime safe spaceSouth Alameda County Coordinated Entry access point
    Call 510-657-7425bacs@bayareacs.org
    Address
    40963 Grimmer Blvd, Fremont, CA
    Hours
    Business hours — call before visiting
    Service area
    South Alameda County

    Daytime safe space and Coordinated Entry access point for South Alameda County. Visit during business hours or email BACS to confirm current schedule.

    Last verified: 2026-07-27 · source ↗ · HELP-ALA-0005
  • VERIFIEDWalk-in during hoursAlameda

    Hedco Wellness Center — Hayward

    Bay Area Community Services (BACS)
    Behavioral healthEmploymentHousing resourcesPeer groups
    Call 510-247-8235
    Address
    590 B Street, Hayward, CA
    Hours
    Business hours — call before visiting
    Service area
    Hayward and surrounding communities

    Visit during business hours. Call ahead to confirm current program availability.

    Last verified: 2026-07-27 · source ↗ · HELP-ALA-0006
  • VERIFIEDWalk-in during hoursAlameda

    Amber House Crisis Stabilization Unit — Oakland

    Bay Area Community Services (BACS)
    Under-24-hour psychiatric assessmentTriage for active psychiatric distress
    Call 510-379-4179
    Address
    516 31st Street, Oakland, CA
    Hours
    24 hours, 7 days (call before arriving when possible)
    Service area
    Alameda County
    Eligibility
    Adults in active psychiatric distress needing short-term triage and stabilization

    Under-24-hour crisis assessment and triage. Phone and door triage supported. For life-threatening emergencies call 911.

    Last verified: 2026-07-27 · source ↗ · HELP-ALA-0007
  • VERIFIEDReferral requiredAlameda

    Medical Respite Oakland

    Bay Area Community Services (BACS)
    Post-hospital medical respite for people experiencing homelessness
    Call 510-759-4289
    Service area
    Alameda County
    Referral
    Referral by a hospital case manager or social worker. No walk-ins.

    Access is only through hospital case managers or social workers. Address not published to protect residents.

    Last verified: 2026-07-27 · source ↗ · HELP-ALA-0009
  • VERIFIEDCall firstAlameda

    Veteran shelter, transitional and permanent supportive housing

    Operation Dignity
    Veteran shelterTransitional housingPermanent supportive housingCommunity cabins
    Call 510-287-8465
    Address
    318 Harrison St., Suite 302, Oakland, CA
    Hours
    Business hours
    Service area
    Alameda County
    Eligibility
    Priority for veterans and veteran families

    Veteran-focused housing and shelter with case management. Non-veterans should generally begin with 211 (or 1-888-886-9660) for direct housing access.

    Last verified: 2026-07-27 · source ↗ · HELP-ALA-0010
  • VERIFIEDAccess varies by programAlameda

    Mobile street outreach and encampment engagement

    Operation Dignity
    Mobile street outreachEncampment engagementReferrals to shelter and housing
    Call 510-287-8465
    Service area
    Alameda County, with focus on people living in encampments

    Non-veteran direct services are primarily information and referral. Direct housing placement for non-veterans typically begins with 211.

    Last verified: 2026-07-27 · source ↗ · HELP-ALA-0011
  • VERIFIEDReferral requiredAlamedaSanta Clara

    Shelter, outreach, and rapid rehousing — Alameda County

    Abode Services
    Emergency shelterRapid Re-HousingPermanent supportive housingAffordable housingSupportive services
    Service area
    Alameda County (and Santa Clara County)
    Referral
    Abode emergency shelter and Rapid Re-Housing programs do not accept direct calls or referrals. For Alameda County shelter and housing help, start with 211 or 1-888-886-9660.

    Access to Abode housing programs is through Coordinated Entry (call 211). Abode does not take walk-ins or direct calls for shelter.

    Last verified: 2026-07-27 · source ↗ · HELP-ALA-0004
  • VERIFIEDReferral requiredAlameda

    Home Together Move-In Assistance Fund (MAF)

    Abode Services
    One-time move-in assistance (up to $5,000)
    Service area
    Alameda County
    Eligibility
    Alameda County households currently experiencing homelessness, or who exited homelessness within the past 60 days with confirmed housing. Household income at or below 30% AMI.
    Referral
    Applications must come through the participant's service provider. Individuals cannot apply directly to Abode.

    One-time assistance up to $5,000 for move-in costs. Ask your existing case manager or service provider to submit on your behalf. If you do not have a provider, start with 211.

    Last verified: 2026-07-27 · source ↗ · HELP-ALA-0012
  • VERIFIEDAccess varies by programAlameda

    Street outreach — Alameda County

    Abode Services
    Street outreachConnection to housingHealthcare linkageMental health treatment linkage
    Service area
    Most of Alameda County

    Outreach teams meet people where they are. To reach outreach directly, call 211 (or 1-888-886-9660) for dispatch to the appropriate team.

    Last verified: 2026-07-27 · source ↗ · HELP-ALA-0014
  • VERIFIEDCall firstAlameda

    Main office and housing information

    Building Opportunities for Self-Sufficiency (BOSS)
    Shelter (network)Housing navigationReentry supportEmployment support
    Call 510-649-1930
    Address
    1918 University Ave, Suite 2A, Berkeley, CA
    Hours
    Business hours
    Service area
    Berkeley, Albany, Emeryville, Oakland (with some Alameda County reach)

    BOSS's housing network includes Ursula Sherman Village, Casa Maria Safe Haven, South County Homeless Project, and Washington Inn, plus supported independent living sites. Most shelter beds are not available by walk-in — see the housing navigation record for entry pathways.

    Last verified: 2026-07-27 · source ↗ · HELP-ALA-0013
  • VERIFIEDReferral requiredAlameda

    Housing Navigation

    Building Opportunities for Self-Sufficiency (BOSS)
    Housing assessmentListingsLandlord advocacyApplicationsSubsidy connectionStabilization
    Call 510-649-1930
    Service area
    Primarily Berkeley, Albany, Emeryville, and Oakland; other Alameda County residents routed via 211
    Eligibility
    Generally people currently in BOSS shelters or PATH, or referred through 211 Coordinated Entry
    Referral
    Eligibility generally requires being in a BOSS shelter/PATH program or a 211 Coordinated Entry referral. Shelter Plus Care and several housing/community-support programs require agency or county referral — there are no open walk-in shelter beds.

    BOSS directs residents in Berkeley, Albany, Emeryville, or Oakland to Alameda County Housing Resource Centers. Residents elsewhere in Alameda County should start with 211.

    Last verified: 2026-07-27 · source ↗ · HELP-ALA-0015
  • VERIFIEDCall firstSan Francisco

    SF Coordinated Entry access line

    San Francisco Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing
    Coordinated entryShelter referralHousing assessment
    Call 415-355-7400
    Hours
    Varies — call to confirm current hours
    Service area
    San Francisco

    Main access point for San Francisco's shelter and housing system. Hours and procedures change — call before traveling.

    Last verified: 2026-07-27 · source ↗ · HELP-SFO-0001
  • VERIFIEDReferral requiredSan Francisco

    Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Rehousing

    San Francisco Human Services Agency
    PreventionRental assistanceRapid rehousing
    Service area
    San Francisco
    Referral
    Access typically via 211 SF, HSA directly, or through an existing service provider.

    Eligibility and availability vary.

    Last verified: 2026-07-27 · source ↗ · HELP-SFO-0002
  • VERIFIEDCall firstSanta Clara

    Destination: Home — coordinated entry and housing programs

    Santa Clara County Office of Supportive Housing
    Coordinated entryHousing placementPrevention
    Service area
    Santa Clara County

    Destination: Home coordinates Santa Clara County's response. Use 211 or the website to find current access.

    Last verified: 2026-07-27 · source ↗ · HELP-SCL-0001
  • VERIFIEDCall firstSanta Clara

    Shelter, outreach, and housing services

    HomeFirst Services of Santa Clara County
    ShelterOutreachHousing navigation
    Call 408-539-2100
    Service area
    Santa Clara County

    One of the largest shelter and housing providers in Santa Clara County. Call before traveling; availability changes.

    Last verified: 2026-07-27 · source ↗ · HELP-SCL-0002
  • VERIFIEDReferral requiredSan MateoSanta Clara

    Shelter and interim housing — San Mateo and Santa Clara

    LifeMoves
    Interim housingShelterCase management
    Service area
    San Mateo and Santa Clara counties
    Referral
    Access typically through Coordinated Entry, county referral, or 211.

    See website for current shelter contacts.

    Last verified: 2026-07-27 · source ↗ · HELP-SMC-0001
  • VERIFIEDReferral requiredStatewide

    State housing programs — current program list

    California Department of Housing and Community Development
    State housing programsProgram information
    Service area
    California

    HCD administers state housing programs. The historical statewide COVID-19 Rent Relief program is closed and is not accepting new applications. For current rental assistance, contact 211 or the local Housing Resource Center.

    Last verified: 2026-07-27 · source ↗ · HELP-CAL-0001
  • VERIFIEDCall or emailAlameda

    Oakland housing-stability and eviction-prevention access

    Keep Oakland Housed
    Eviction preventionTenant legal servicesHousing stabilizationSupportive services
    Call 510-899-9289KeepOaklandHoused@bayareacs.org
    Service area
    Oakland

    The official access page lists multiple legal and supportive-service partners. Program funding, hours, and eligibility can change; contact the program before traveling.

    Last verified: 2026-08-14 · source ↗ · HELP-ALA-0101
  • VERIFIEDCall firstAlameda

    Housing preservation and civil legal assistance

    Bay Area Legal Aid
    Tenant legal adviceHousing preservationConsumer protectionDomestic-violence legal assistance
    Call 1-800-551-5554
    Service area
    Alameda County and the Bay Area

    The Oakland City Attorney’s legal-assistance directory identifies Bay Area Legal Aid and its Legal Advice Line. Call for current intake hours and case eligibility.

    Last verified: 2026-08-14 · source ↗ · HELP-ALA-0102
  • VERIFIEDCall or emailAlameda

    Tenant and low-income community legal services

    Centro Legal de la Raza
    Tenant rightsHousing legal servicesImmigration legal servicesWorkers' rights
    Call 510-437-1554cctr@centrolegal.org
    Service area
    Oakland and the East Bay

    The current Keep Oakland Housed access page directs people to call, email, or leave voicemail for legal assistance. Confirm the appropriate intake unit before visiting.

    Last verified: 2026-08-14 · source ↗ · HELP-ALA-0103
  • VERIFIEDCall firstAlameda

    Residential and community-based homelessness services

    East Oakland Community Project
    Emergency housingTransitional supportFamily programsHousing navigation
    Service area
    Oakland and Alameda County

    EOCP describes multiple residential programs serving adults, families, and young adults. Openings and referral paths vary by program; call 211 or contact EOCP through its official site before traveling.

    Last verified: 2026-08-14 · source ↗ · HELP-ALA-0104
  • VERIFIEDCall firstAlameda

    Housing and food assistance for seniors

    St. Mary’s Center
    Housing assistanceFood assistanceSenior support
    Call 510-923-9600 ext. 297
    Service area
    West Oakland

    The official site directs seniors seeking housing or food assistance to extension 297 and directs people seeking shelter to 211. Confirm current service hours before traveling.

    Last verified: 2026-08-14 · source ↗ · HELP-ALA-0105
  • VERIFIEDCall firstAlameda

    Oakland shelter and support for young adults

    Covenant House California
    Emergency shelterDrop-in servicesTransitional housingHealthcareEducation and employmentCase management
    Call 510-379-1010
    Address
    200 Harrison Street, Oakland, CA 94607
    Hours
    Emergency services available 24 hours, 7 days
    Service area
    Oakland
    Eligibility
    Young people ages 18–24

    The official Oakland location page identifies the site as a safe space for LGBTQ+ youth. Call before traveling to confirm current bed and drop-in availability.

    Last verified: 2026-08-14 · source ↗ · HELP-ALA-0106
  • VERIFIEDWalk-in during hoursAlameda

    Oakland Veterans Center

    Swords to Plowshares
    Housing assistanceBenefits and legal supportEmploymentCase managementWellness services
    Call 510-844-7500
    Address
    330 Franklin Street, Suite 100, Oakland, CA 94607
    Hours
    Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
    Service area
    Oakland and the East Bay

    The official site lists the Oakland Veterans Center, address, phone, and current weekday hours. Call before traveling in case of schedule changes.

    Last verified: 2026-08-14 · source ↗ · HELP-ALA-0107
  • VERIFIEDCall firstAlameda

    Housing and domestic-violence support

    Building Futures
    Emergency shelterHousing supportDomestic-violence services
    Service area
    Alameda County

    Building Futures serves people facing homelessness and domestic violence. Protected shelter locations are intentionally not published here; use the official site or a confidential hotline for current access.

    Last verified: 2026-08-14 · source ↗ · HELP-ALA-0108
Data status

Availability changes frequently. Every listing includes its verification state and date; records marked NEEDS_UPDATE should not be relied upon without direct confirmation.

Suggest a service or correction through the community input form or email editor@bayevidence.com.