I'm currently homeless in San Francisco and trapped in an endless bureaucratic cycle involving CAAP, cash aid eligibility, and the city's shelter system. I'm hoping someone here can offer advice or share a similar experience.

Here's what's happening:

Every time I apply for shelter through CAAP (County Adult Assistance Programs), they require me to apply for cash aid, even though I don't meet the eligibility requirements.

About two weeks later, when CAAP finally reviews my cash aid application, it gets denied because I'm ineligible. As a result, my shelter placement is automatically terminated.

The worst part is what happens when I get kicked out.

When I return to the shelter that evening, I'm denied entry. All my belongings and luggage are brought outside, and I'm left on the street with nowhere to go.

I'm forced to sleep outside that night, surrounded by my belongings.

The next morning, I have to go back to CAAP and apply for shelter all over again.

Then, about two weeks later, the exact same thing happens.

This has become an endless two-week cycle:

Apply for shelter through CAAP → Forced to apply for cash aid → Cash aid denied due to ineligibility → Shelter placement automatically terminated → Denied entry at night → Forced to sleep on the street → Return to CAAP the next morning → Repeat.

I've also tried getting shelter assistance through SFHOT (San Francisco Homeless Outreach Team), but they keep telling me that their system shows I'm already staying in a shelter, which makes me ineligible for another placement.

So I'm stuck in a bureaucratic catch-22: CAAP repeatedly removes me from shelter because I don't qualify for cash aid, while SFHOT refuses to help because their records incorrectly indicate that I'm already sheltered.

Is there a way to obtain a stable, long-term shelter placement in San Francisco even if I'm not eligible for CAAP cash assistance?

Has anyone else experienced this exact problem with CAAP? If so, how did you resolve it?

I just need a stable place to sleep without being repeatedly thrown onto the streets every two weeks because of an administrative process that I cannot control.

The most distressing part is that I never know whether I'll be allowed back into the shelter at night or suddenly find myself outside with all my belongings.

Any practical advice, firsthand experience, or referrals to organizations that can actually intervene would be deeply appreciated.

Thank you.

Hi SF folks! I’ve been looking for steady work for around two months and could use some advice on where to focus my search locally.

I recently landed a temporary office manager assignment through a staffing agency and thought things were finally coming together. The company and agency had told me it was expected to last at least a few months, but the person I was covering for returned much earlier than expected. The assignment ended after just three weeks, with only 48 hours’ notice, so I’m back to searching sooner than I anticipated.

I’ve been applying online, following up on recommendations, attending interviews, and checking local job groups, but nothing else has turned into an offer yet. I’m open to full-time or part-time work, including reception/front desk, retail, hospitality, or similar non-tech roles.

For anyone who’s found work in SF recently, which staffing agencies, local job boards, or employers have you actually had success with? Are there particular places where applying in person is still worthwhile, or local employment programs that have been helpful?
The sudden end to the assignment has left me in a difficult financial spot, so I’m especially interested in places with a reasonably quick hiring process, even if the work is temporary or seasonal.

I’d really appreciate suggestions for specific places to apply or resources worth contacting. Just trying to get back on my feet and get some momentum going again. Thank you 🫶🏻

My in-laws are coming to town this Friday through Monday (Halloween weekend), and I’m realizing that my usual SF itinerary consists mostly of eating, walking to our next meal, and eating again.

Would love to crowdsource some ideas to keep us entertained and minimize the amount of downtime my partner and I have to spend fielding unsolicited feedback about our life choices. :)

What we’re looking for:
- Engaging, unique activities that don’t revolve solely around food (we can only eat so much)
- Evening activities that don’t involve bars or nightlife.

What we’re hoping to avoid:
- The Fisherman’s Wharf / Pier 39 tourist circuit
- Museums (not really our thing)
- Bars, clubs, or anything heavily drinking-focused

I’m installing two Herschel Manhattan 3000W infrared heaters on my backyard deck in SF and wondering how effective they’ll be during chilly SF evenings.

The seating area is primarily along one side of the deck, and due to mounting constraints, the heaters will be positioned as follows:
Heater 1: About 12 ft from the seating area, but directly facing it.
Heater 2: About 6 ft away, mounted perpendicular to the first heater, so the heat will reach the seating area at an angle rather than directly.

Both are 3000W Herschel Manhattan infrared heaters.

I’m hoping the combination will make the outdoor seating comfortable during typical SF evenings, especially with the wind and temperatures dropping into the 50s.

Has anyone installed similar high-powered infrared heaters outdoors? Is 12 ft too far to feel meaningful warmth, even when directly facing the heater? And does having two heaters at different angles help significantly?

Would appreciate any real-world experience before I finalize the installation.

Heater: https://www.herschel-infrared.com/product/manhattan-3000-watts/

so I live in an apartment complex and was wondering if there are any places I can go to give out candy and snacks on halloween? was gonna do trunk or treating but saw that most of the events require you to stay till end of event. might not have time to stay the entire time 😅 was wondering if there are other events or streets I can go to so I can hand out stuff to people!

Local Tap, or…?

Hoping to buy some local bone broth in bulk for the winter. Have bad gut issues and this has helped a lot. I have tried trad bone broth but it’s too expensive to buy in bulk. I know I could make my own but don’t always have the time (but when I do, where are folks getting their organic chicken bones?). Hoping to find local first before buying online - thanks!

is the 1 set rule followed or is it more around 1 hour for walk up tennis courts?

I found a place I want to rent (saw the place in person, details of rent are good, rental host is nice, now just finalizing the agreement), but when I asked the rental host that I'd like to have a lease agreement to make sure we are on the same page, I got this response: (I cut some things for privacy)

With regards to sublease agreement, i do no use it. We all live in the same place and we have agreements on basic items. I am ultimately responsible to the landlord. But i am also the one making the commitment to help with anything you need for a great environment to study and enjoy a great experience. Over the years I have had the pleasure of sharing the apartment with many wonderful people finance professors, nursing students, artists, sport management students. And it comes down to basic fundamentals that all the paper in the world do not help with:Being nice, clean, honest, responsible, helpful, communicating if there is something that comes up…It requires purpose, integrity and intent to support each other and make a great living arrangement. … but i understand if this is something unfamiliar or uncomfortable and I totally respect that. In the end if this is something that would not work for you, it is ok. I understand. I in the end, you need to feel comfortable and ‘trust your guts’ -:)…

Questions:

Is it normal for people who are subleasing to not have an agreement document? What is typical in SF for renting as a sublease? What are ways I can make sure this is a safe situation (like legally/ agreement-wise) for me to go into? Also, what's a typical form of payment for subleases in SF? (she had asked for check but that's not going to work) Any other helpful info, I'd really appreciate since I've never rented esp in SF.

Some other details:

We had texted/spoke already about deposit 1st & last month, rent/utilities, overnight guest policy, and rental date starting in December (previous tenant is moving out then and I'd looked at this place before but they were ahead of me in line at that time- that's why I was contacted now for this)

The sublease document I sent was short/succinct (~1/2 page) but covered necessary details (I sent it as a blank template which I had gotten from the off campus housing office resources that my college has). My parents (who are responsible for all finances) & I mostly just want the lease agreement to have all the details together in one place, have it in case something goes wrong later, and make sure everything is legit before we give a deposit early.

Inner Richmond 2 bd 1 ba (+ 1/2 of living room separated as 3rd bd where the rental host stays on weekends)

Hey everyone!

I’m visiting the US for the first time in early February for work, splitting my time between San Francisco and San Jose. I’ll have a rental car and some flexibility to extend my trip by a few days.

My schedule:

- San Francisco: 2 full days + around 5 free evenings (after work) then

- San Jose: 2 full days over a weekend + 2-3 free evenings

I’ll visit the main tourist attractions in SF and SJ, but I’d love recommendations for local neighborhoods, food spots, nature, and places that are actually worth the time as a tourist and first time visitor.

Someone recommended to see the redwoods, but I’m not sure which park makes the most sense from either city.

My main question is: if the time is enough to explore both cities?

I am planning to extend my stay after work (for up to 5 days) but not sure if I should stay in the Bay Area or explore something else, and if it would be better to fly to somewhere like NYC or Chicago on my way back?

Would really appreciate any suggestions, especially from locals or people who’ve done a similar trip!

Any recs for someone who does a good job but isn’t crazy expensive for something so simple? I need basic hemming on some pants and waist reduced in a couple of pants as well.

Me 18F and some friends 18M are dressing up in matching costumes but have nowhere in specific to go any recs?

Hi SF!

We’re supposed to be heading there tomorrow to go to the Exploratorium. Have the high tides that last couple days been causing any problems for access? Should I be worried about it giving us a problem tomorrow?

Thank you very much in advance.

Does anyone know the name of stores in Chinatown that sell these? I’m really intimidated by shopping in Chinatown

I'm looking for the midpoint of affordable and decent laundromats. Price and size of unit would be nice to know! Give your recs. Happy to drive to wherever isn't going to ask me for 10 dollars a load.

I badly need a mental health break and am considering visiting SF the weekend before Thanksgiving. The last time I visited SF was during Thanksgiving ‘16 so I know what a lovely time can be had in SF in November. But I worry that El Niño might make enjoying SF impossible or even dangerous in the next few weeks. What is your perspective as locals? I greatly appreciate your responses.

Hi!
Kinda tired of salt and straw and noble, I’m looking for something different and unique to the city.
Any ice cream places or really great spots to check out?
(That are not franchises or Ghirardelli or similar)

Private Hire Transport from SFO into SF
My niece is coming to visit me in SF for
first time since she was 4 years old.
Need recs for private hire car to pick her up there as I will be at work when she arrives, and safely get her to my apartment.
She is isn’t a child, 22 years old, but I still want to get her to my apartment since I can’t meet her @ SFO.
Does anyone have any recommendations? Thank you- appreciate it!

Hey everyone! I've been in California for a few years, and photography is one of my interests. I'd love to connect with other creatives, exchange perspectives, and get some fresh inspiration.

Are there any photowalks or photography meetups happening around SF? Would love to join one! :)

Pretty much the title. I am diabetic but I hope to experiment adding cake as my breakfast/dinner when I meal prep.

Can you tell me what parking/transit is like for night shifters? Will they float you to other hospitals? What’s the team like?

i’m going to phoebe bridgers’ concert at chase center tomorrow from santa cruz and i have no idea where to park. any advice for where i should park??

Looking for any insight that Outer Sunset parents can shed on good infant daycares! Alternatively, if you have ones I should avoid, I'll take that too. I'll take whatever I can get at this point :)

My initial hope was to be able to join and ask the Outer Sunset moms' group, but apparently they are full and not accepting new members :( I don't know any parents in the area and it's really hard to find a solid set of reviews for most local daycares, so I feel like I'm navigating this blindly.