Waythrough is an independent resource, not SFHA. We summarize public information to help you get oriented. For applications and the most current waiting-list status, always use the official links below.

The San Francisco Housing Authority (SFHA) is the public housing authority (PHA) that administers Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and project-based rental assistance for the City and County of San Francisco. Separately, the city's DAHLIA portal runs ongoing lotteries for below-market-rate affordable apartments. This page summarizes SFHA's current waiting-list status and contact information, and links to the official sites for anything time-sensitive.

Quick Facts

Serves: the City and County of San Francisco, California
Phone: (415) 715-3280
Official site: www.sfha.org/
Apply: SFHA application page
Status last checked: May 2026

Waiting-List Status

Waiting lists open and close frequently, so treat the status below as a starting point and confirm on the official site before you rely on it.

  • Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8): Closed — Check sfha.org for any reopening. In the meantime, apply to nearby authorities and to affordable-unit lotteries.
  • Below-market-rate affordable units: Ongoing lotteries — Applied for through the city's DAHLIA portal (housing.sfgov.org) — this is separate from Section 8 and does not require an SFHA voucher.

Programs SFHA Runs

  • Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)
  • Project-Based Vouchers (including RAD-converted developments)
  • Below-market-rate affordable units via the DAHLIA lottery (city-run, separate from SFHA)

How to Apply

Apply directly through the authority's official application page: www.sfha.org/. If you have already applied, call (415) 715-3280 to verify your position and keep your contact information current — if the authority cannot reach you when your name comes up, you can be dropped from the list.

New to the process? Our step-by-step guide to applying for Section 8 walks through the whole thing, and how to find your PHA helps you locate the right authority.

Other Authorities Serving This Area

  • The DAHLIA SF Housing Portal (housing.sfgov.org) lists affordable rental and ownership opportunities across San Francisco through regular lotteries — the most active path when the Section 8 list is closed.
  • SF ERAP (emergency rent help) helpline: (415) 653-5744, for households at risk of eviction.

More Local Resources

For the full picture of affordable housing in this area — emergency shelter, rental assistance, tenant rights, and legal aid — see our San Francisco housing resources page and our CA state resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the San Francisco (SFHA) Section 8 waiting list open?

As of May 2026, the San Francisco Housing Authority's Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) waiting list is closed. Confirm the current status on sfha.org before relying on it. While it is closed, the most active path to affordable housing in San Francisco is the city's DAHLIA portal (housing.sfgov.org), which runs regular lotteries for below-market-rate apartments.

What is DAHLIA and how is it different from Section 8?

DAHLIA (housing.sfgov.org) is San Francisco's official portal for below-market-rate affordable apartments, awarded by lottery. It is run by the city and is separate from SFHA's Section 8 program — you do not need a voucher to apply. It is usually the most active option when the SFHA voucher list is closed.

Who do I call for emergency rent help in San Francisco?

The San Francisco Emergency Rental Assistance Program (SF ERAP) helpline is (415) 653-5744. If you are facing eviction, San Francisco also guarantees a right to counsel — free legal representation — for tenants in eviction cases.

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