Adult Shelter Options in San Francisco & San Mateo County 

Immediate & Waitlist-Based Shelter Access

If you are an adult experiencing homelessness in San Francisco or nearby San Mateo County, there are shelter options available immediately (walk-up) and through official waitlists. This page explains where to go, how to apply, and what to expect.

San Francisco Adult Shelter Access (Waitlist-Based)

San Francisco operates several adult shelters that use a centralized waitlist system. You only need to register once.

Shelters Covered by the SF Waitlist

The adult shelter waitlist includes beds at:

• Next Door Shelter

• MSC-South

• Sanctuary Shelter

How to Register

You may either fill out the form OR call — do not do both.

Option 1: Register Online

Complete the Adult Shelter Reservation Form:

• Adult Shelter Reservation Form
  https://hsh.sfgov.org/services/how-to-get-services/accessing-temporary-shelter/adult-temporary-shelter/

Option 2: Call the Access Line

• SFHOT & Adult Shelter Access Line
  📞 (628) 652-8000

⚠️ Please complete only one registration per person. Calling and submitting the form at the same time is not necessary.

Check Your Waitlist Status

Once registered, you can check your position on the waitlist here:

• https://www.sf.gov/data/check-your-position-adult-shelter-waitlist

Additional SF Shelter Information

• Adult Temporary Shelter Information Page:
  https://hsh.sfgov.org/services/how-to-get-services/accessing-temporary-shelter/adult-temporary-shelter/

San Francisco Walk-Up Shelter (Immediate Access)

Dolores Shelter Program (No Waitlist – Walk-Up Only)

If you need overnight shelter immediately, you can go directly to:

📍 Dolores Shelter Program
1050 South Van Ness Avenue
San Francisco, CA (Mission District)

Shelter Hours

• Open 7 days a week

• 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 a.m.

• Walk-up guests may begin lining up at 5:30 p.m.

• First-come, first-served

• Overnight-only shelter

✅ This shelter does not require prior registration or a waitlist.

San Mateo County Adult Shelters (Immediate & Interim Housing)

Samaritan House – Emergency & Interim Shelters

Samaritan House operates three shelters in San Mateo County, providing:

• Immediate shelter

• Safety and warmth

• Meals and basic needs

• Access to healthcare

• Support toward long-term stability and self-sufficiency

Where to Apply (Office / Intake Center)

Start at the shelter applications office:

📍 Samaritan House – Housing Services Office
1486 Huntington Ave, Suite #100
South San Francisco, CA 94080

Actual Shelter Location

If directed by staff, the shelter location is:

📍 Samaritan House Shelter
295 N Access Rd
South San Francisco, CA 94080

More Information

• Samaritan House Housing Services:
  https://samaritanhousesanmateo.org/service/housing-services/

Important Reminders

• Bring identification if available (not always required).

• Shelter availability may change daily.

• Arrive early for walk-up shelters.

• Only submit one application per person for waitlist-based shelters.

Need Help Navigating Shelter Access?

If you need assistance understanding these options or completing forms, community service organizations and outreach teams in San Francisco and San Mateo County may be able to help.