K. and her three kids need a small apartment in San Francisco as soon as possible. A one bedroom apartment would work. They're looking for a rental or sublet through September, when they have housing lined up.
K. was the victim of domestic violence and called shelters in SF for months and months, to be turned away and told they don't have room, to have intake workers promise to call her back and then never call, to be told over and over - NO ROOM. Call someone else. Government and non profits, passing the buck.
A San Francisco blogger, Tangobaby, has been helping K. by telling her story, gathering donations and help from blog readers, and calling all over the city along with her to try to find resources and help. It sounds to me like they now have enough donations to pay rent on a place. In fact, at this point they could pay the entire summer's rent up front. But they are having trouble lining up a place to live.
What would you do if you were in her situation?
Think about a time you have had to go apartment hunting. And the uncertainty on - how is the landlord judging you? Now do it with 3 kids, one a 2 month old baby, while you're homeless. And while you're not white. Racism plays into this difficulty, I have no doubt of it.
I would like to propose that anyone who reads this who is in SF, contact anyone you know who owns a rental property. Talk to realtors who might know of landlords. Pull whatever strings you can to help out and contact Tangobaby if you have a good lead on a place to stay. And, here's a wild idea. Might someone who might have an easier time renting, or staying with friends, or travelling - might they move out of their own apartment and sublet to K. and her kids for the summer? Or might someone with a big apartment who needs a roommate, take a roommate with 3 kids including a baby? Think about it, and seriously, ask the people you know if they can help.
