DATA STORY

Emergency Housing Vouchers

Homelessness and Supportive Housing

The Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) Program was created pursuant to the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 as part of the federal government’s broader response to COVID-19 to assist individuals and families who are homeless, at-risk of homelessness, fleeing, or attempting to flee, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking, or were recently homeless or have a high risk of housing instability.

While funds were originally projected to be available through 2030, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced early termination of the program.

In response, the San Francisco Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing (HSH), Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development, and the Housing Authority of the City and County of San Francisco (Housing Authority) are implementing a coordinated transition plan to maintain stability for all households, as described in this Frequently Asked Questions (coming soon), which we will continue to update as more information becomes available.

Background

HUD allocated 906 EHVs to San Francisco. We issued far more since we were able to refer new households to some vouchers that were not used or were no longer being used due to expiration, turnover, or absorption by a receiving public housing authority under portability. At its height, more than 950 EHVs were simultaneously utilized, comprising households residing in San Francisco or in jurisdictions in which the receiving public housing authority was billing assistance back to the Housing Authority.

As the referring agency of record, HSH initiated referrals to the Housing Authority in fall 2021, with the last referrals taking place by the reissuance deadline of September 30, 2023. HSH created community-informed local priorities for referring households, consistent with our strategic plan and equity goals. These included:

  • Addressing racial inequities in homelessness caused by structural racism. We prioritized households who have been historically marginalized through community-based referral partners.
  • Reducing homelessness by prioritizing people who are currently experiencing unsheltered homelessness.
  • Decreasing inflow into homelessness by prioritizing people at risk of homelessness.

Referral Methods

There were several referral methods for this program.

  • HSH’s Coordinated Entry system referred many households to the program. These referrals came through our standard housing prioritization process.
  • HSH also worked with 15 designated referral partners, including providers who serve survivors of violence. We selected these providers based on their experience working with our focus populations. These partners identified households to refer to the program.
  • HSH also opened an online screener. This screener allowed households that were not yet in our system of care to apply.

Tenants who received EHVs:

  • Live in their own unit in the private rental market.
  • Received help searching for housing and paying for move-in costs from HSH funded provider partners. These costs included security deposits and furniture.
  • Pay 30% to 40% of their income on rent and utilities, with the rest covered by the Housing Authority through the voucher.
  • Must remain compliant with the Housing Authority’s Statement of Family Obligations.
  • Receive voluntary housing-focused supportive services funded by HSH. These services include connections to benefits, communication with landlords and the Housing Authority, and case management.

More Information and Useful Links