Homelessness and COVID-19

People who are unhoused do not have to stay home or avoid going out. You can still stay healthy during the coronavirus pandemic.

Find food, housing, health resources and more at SFServiceGuide.org. 

While in a shelter

People living in shelters should stay there. Stay 6 feet apart from others, wash your hands frequently, and wear a face covering.

Your shelter will arrange sleeping areas and common areas so it’s easy to stay 6 feet from everyone.

We are providing cleaning services and meals in shelters. We are also expanding the hours of all shelters. You will not have to leave your shelter when your 90 days is up.

While unsheltered

Find a public handwashing station or bathroom to wash your hands. 

The City is not taking away tents. If you’re living in a tent:

• Keep tents 6 feet apart (at most 5 tents in one block)
• Keep sidewalks clear
• Keep your tent 6 feet away from doorways, transit stops, bike sharing stations, or fire hydrants
• Do not pitch your tent in a park
• Do not have fire, or leave out things that can catch on fire

Hang out with as few people as possible. Try to only spend time with the same people. Wear a face covering when you’re around others and stay 6 feet apart.

You can get a referral to a shelter if you go to a hospital. You cannot call 311 to join the shelter waitlist.

The Homeless Outreach Team is reaching out to people living in public spaces, tents, vehicles, and otherwise unsheltered.

Call your doctor if:

• You have a fever over 100.4° Fahrenheit or 38.0° Celsius
• You’re shivering a lot
• You have a cough
• It’s hard to breathe
• You feel tired or sore
• You can’t smell or taste anything
• Your throat hurts
• Your head hurts
• You have a runny or stuffy nose
• You have diarrhea, feel sick to your stomach, or are throwing up

If you don’t have a doctor, you can:

• Call Tom Waddell Urgent Care at 415-713-1963
• Call ZSFGH Urgent Care at 628-206-8000 

Get tested: Find out about your COVID-19 testing options

If you test positive for COVID-19

The City will provide you a place to stay while you get better. This may be at recreation centers, hotels, large venues, and other locations.

While there, you will need to stay inside and not go out. The City will provide you with food and whatever you need to stay healthy.

Guidance on preventing and managing COVID-19 transmission among people experiencing homelessness

Guidance for congregate living providers

Supportive housing for people in the criminal justice system experiencing homelessness (May 7, 2020)

Tenderloin Neighborhood Safety Assessment and Plan (May 6, 2020)

Expansion of 24-hour pit stops (May 5, 2020)

COVID-19 alternative housing program data tracker (April 28, 2020)

New meal delivery program for unhoused people (April 17, 2020)

Rollout of new staffed public toilets and hand-washing stations in high-need neighborhoods (April 7, 2020)

New shelter at Moscone Center (March 27, 2020)

Suspending power and water shutoffs, waive penalties and interest for delinquent payments (March 14, 2020)

Moratorium on residential evictions (March 13, 2020)

Temporary housing for people needing to quarantine (March 10, 2020)

Increased COVID-19 protections for homeless residents and people living in Single Room Occupancy hotels (March 9, 2020)