Q: What are my options for accessing food?
A: Meals on Wheels is currently accepting new applicants, especially people who live alone, and the number to reach them at is 415-355-6700. The SF-Marin Food Bank also provides free food at pantries across the city on a weekly basis. You can visit their website, or call 415-282-1900, to locate the pantry near you.
Seniors and disabled individuals who are isolated and homebound can receive delivered meals, groceries, and other essential supplies from Jewish Family and Children’s Services. You can call (415) 449-3700 for their assistance.
Likewise, the City’s Department of Disability and Aging Services can connect you to volunteers who will shop for your groceries and medicine. Their number is (415) 355-6700. Our neighbors are also helping each other through a group called the
D5 Consumer Council.
Finally, some stores are offering grocery deliveries. Bi-Rite is offering free delivery through Instacart, and you can order for curbside pickup through
their website.
Rainbow Grocery is also offering grocery delivery services, as is
Luke's Local Grocery in Cole Valley. Certain grocery stores are offering senior only hours, but wherever possible, we recommend not leaving your home unless absolutely necessary.
Q: How can I get my medication/prescription drugs?
A: If you need medication and prescriptions filled, Walgreens and CVS are now doing free home delivery. Kaiser is also doing free home delivery of prescriptions.
Seniors and disabled individuals who are isolated and homebound can receive delivered meals, groceries, and other essential supplies from Jewish Family and Children’s Services. You can call (415) 449-3700 for assistance.
Likewise, the City’s Department of Disability and Aging Services can connect you to volunteers who will shop for your groceries and medicine. Their number is (415) 355-6700.
Q: I am looking to talk to someone for emotional support. Are there resources available?
A: The Institute on Aging has a 24-hour toll-free Friendship line for people aged 60 years and older to call. The number is 800.971.0016.
Q: What should I do if I can't pay rent?
A: Provide written documentation to your landlord of your inability to pay rent as soon as possible. If you do so within 30 days of it being due, your landlord cannot evict you for nonpayment due to COVID-19 related loss of income. For questions, contact the SF Tenants Union, the Housing Rights Committee of San Francisco, or Causa Justa::Just Cause for tenant counseling.
The new city policy stops eviction for COVID-related nonpayment for up to six months after the state of emergency ends, but it does not waive the rent.
Q: What if I need to go outside to work?
A: You should call the Worker Information Line at 415-701-4817. This line is run by the city, and they can provide you with further information on Unemployment Insurance, Disability Insurance, Paid Family Leave, and paid sick leave. Even if you are an independent contractor, you can still qualify for Disaster Unemployment Assistance.
Q: Will my home care worker still be working?
A: Home-based care for seniors are considered an essential function so they are exempt from the shelter-in-place order. All residential and shelter facilities for seniors will also remain open during this time, but access for visitors is very limited.
Q: Can my family visit me?
A: People can still care for parents and family who need help. You can let family or friends know if you need support and can help pick up any of your needs but they should always practice social distancing and keep a 6 feet distance whenever possible. However, they should not visit if there is no urgent need.
