How do I get the First Avenues subsidy?

Complete an application with your case manager and have them fax it to our office. If you do not have a case manager or would like to refer yourself you can call for an application or stop by the office at 260 Golden Gate to pick up an application. Complete your application and drop it by the office, mail it in or fax it to (415)292-6144 attn: Housing Specialist. Within 48 hours of submitting your application you should get a phone call from a Housing Specialist telling you if you have been approved for an interview. The interview will last about 45mintues to an hour and within 48 hours of the interview you should find out if you have been approved.

I already turned in my subsidy application and have a subsidy interview scheduled, how can I prepare for my subsidy interview?

In your interview you should be prepared to talk about your past work experience, your current employment or training situation and your goals regarding employment or training in the next year. You should also be prepared to explain your three plans to increase your income within the next six to twelve months and the steps that you will need to take to get there.

How much will my subsidy be?

Your subsidy amount will be dependent on your income. Ideally you will be contributing 50% of your income towards rent and First Avenues will cover up to $500 a month towards your rent. An example follows;

If your monthly income is $800 and your rent is $900, then we would like you to contribute $400 of your income towards rent and we will subsidize the remaining $500.

Please note that each subsidy recipient will not necessarily be receiving a $500 subsidy. An example follows;

If your monthly income is $1000 and your rent is $850, then we would like you to contribute $500 of your income towards rent and we will subsidize the remaining $350.

How long will I receive my subsidy?

The First Avenues Subsidy will be offered for 12 months as long as you are abiding by program guidelines.

How much will I have to increase my income by in one year?

We would like your income to increase by your full subsidy amount a month within one year. An example follows;

If your monthly income is $800 and your subsidy is $500, then we would like you to increase your monthly income to $1300 by the end of the 12 month subsidy period.

Where can I get employment assistance so that I can increase my income?

Along with your subsidy you will get a Home Based Support Service Specialist, they can assist you with referrals for employment assistance.

Do I have to find my own housing?

Once you have been approved for the subsidy you will have 30 days to find appropriate housing at the agreed upon price. You can access housing resources from the First Avenues Program, but ultimately you are the best tool in your own housing search, only you know what type of housing is best for your family. Extra support can be accessed for families with disabilities.

I have heard of a few other programs who offer rental subsidies, can I apply for both?

At this time there are three agencies within San Francisco that are running similar rental subsidy programs, which are First Avenues, SF Home (a collaboration of Compass Family Center and St. Joseph’s) and Tenderloin Housing Clinic. The funding for all three of the subsidy programs come from the same source, San Francisco’s Human Service Agency General Fund. Each of these subsidy programs are a once in a lifetime opportunity and you will only be allowed to accept a rental subsidy from one program. There is a database for all three programs, so if you do accept more than one rental subsidy it will be noted on the database and you will be asked to choose only one program to participate in.