Resources

The CONNECT Program

 

The CONNECTion To Services Program (The CONNECT Program) grew out of the District Attorney Office’s participation in the San Francisco Fines and Fees Task Force. The District Attorney’s Office collaborated with the Financial Justice Project, Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights, The San Francisco Superior Court, and others to develop this program.

Quality of Life citations are issued for infractions like loitering or sleeping on a sidewalk and are often given to people struggling with homelessness. We know that many people struggling with homelessness cannot afford to pay these citations, and left unpaid, the record of the citations can create barriers to employment and housing. For people who are struggling with homelessness, we hope this program allows people to meet their obligation under the citations by getting the help they need from a trusted social service provider in our community.

If you are experiencing housing instability and received any of the infractions listed below, you may be able to have the infraction dismissed by receiving help from a caseworker or social service provider.

Municipal

MP 13Soliciting Pedestrians 
MP 21Drinking in Public
MP 22(a)Obstructing the Sidewalk
MP 25(a)No Trespassing where Prohibited
MP 33Littering
MP 35(a)Dumping Garbage
MP 49Amplified sound/ no permit/ 10PM-7AM
MP 63(a)Obstruction of Sidewalk (‘A’ boards)
MP 97Living in Vehicle Prohibited 
MP 120-2(d)(3)Aggressive Solicitation
MP 153(a)Urinating/Defecating in Public
MP 168 Sit/Lie Ordinance 
MP 869Peddling
MP 120-2(d)(1)Aggressive Soliciting:
MP 120-2(d)(2)Withing 20ft of an ATM or Check Cashing Business
MP 120-2(d)(3)In the Median or Soliciting to a Motor Vehicle 
MP 120-2(d)(4)In a Muni Parking Lot
MP 630Unauthorized Removal of Newspapers 
MP 864Scalping/Peddling, w/in 12′ of an entryway
MP 869Selling without a permit

Parks

PK3.10 Soliciting without a permit
PK 3.12Camping in the Park
PK 3.13Sleeping in the Park (between 8 PM and 8 AM)
PK 4.01Disorderly Conduct in the Park
PK 4.06Removal of Trees, Wood, etc.
PK 4.10No Drinking in a Park
PK 4.11Public Intoxication
PK 3.02Signs to be obeyed
PK 3.10Peddling without a permit
PK 3.12No tents/Camping in a park
PK 3.13No sleeping in park 8 PM – 8 AM
PK 4.02No swimming
PK 4.04Littering in park
PK 4.05Destruction of property
PK 4.08Interfering with Recreation and Park Employees
PK 4.10Consume Alcohol in park/playground
PK 4.14Fighting, Disturbing Peace, Offensive Words
PK 5.02No animals in playground

Penal Code

PC 374.3(a)Illegal Waste Dumping/Disposal
PC 602.8(a)Trespassing

Vehicular

PC 374.3(a)Illegal Waste Dumping/Disposal
PC 602.8(a)Trespassing

Other

HC 41.5.1(a)Biting Dog
BP 25620(a)Open Container of Alochol

How to Apply for a Dismissal

Step 1

Step 2

Take the form to an approved community organization or social service provider

Social Service ProviderServices OfferedLocation & Contact Info
AIDS Legal Referral Panel (ALRP)Immigrant HIV assistance; HIV consumer advocacy, legal services for people with HIV including eviction defense. Forms are signed for current clients only.1663 Mission Street
Suite 500
San Francisco, CA 94103 (415) 701 -1100
At The CrossroadsOutreach to homeless youth and young adults; connects clients with housing, jobs, & medical resources. Forms are signed for current clients only.167 Jessie St.
San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 487-0691
Community Housing Partnership (CHP)Supportive housing; case management; medical services; family & employment programs. Forms are signed for current residents only.369 Pine Street
Suite 300
San Francisco, CA 94104 (415) 433-6804
Curry Senior CenterHealth education; social support programs and medical services for SF residents 55 years and older.333 Turk Street
San Francisco, CA 94102 (415) 885-2274
Eviction Defense CollaborativeProvides Shelter Client Advocates to shelter residents; legal and rental assistance for residential evictions.1338 Mission St
4th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94103
Glide FoundationResource Center; meal services; health care, substance abuse, and mental services; legal clinic330 Ellis Street
San Francisco, CA 94102 (415) 674-6000
Hospitality HouseMen’s shelter; drop-in center; case management. Forms are signed for current clients only.290 Turk Street
San Francisco, CA 94102 (415) 749-2100
Homeless Advocacy Project (HAP)Assists with SSI applications and immigration documentation for homeless or at risk of homelessness. Forms are signed for current clients only.125 Hyde Street
San Francisco, CA 94102 (415) 575-3130
Legal Services for ChildrenLSC represents youth up to the age of 21. Verify receipt of service, submit form.(415) 863-3762
Drop-in Clinic
Wed:4pm to 6pm
Thursday:3pm to 5pm
1254 Market Street, 3rd Floor
San Francisco, CA 94102
Mission Neighborhood Resource Center (MNRC)Resource Center; drop-in center; bilingual case management; medical clinic; laundry services.165 Capp Street
San Francisco, CA 94110 (415) 701 -1100
New Door VenturesSkills training, meaningful jobs, education assistance and personal support for young people ages 16-243221 20th Street
San Francisco, CA 94110
-Every Tuesday between10am and 2pm
-Every Thursday between3pm and 5pm
Interested participants can also drop-in anytime
(415) 857-9412
Project Homeless ConnectConnections to medical, dental, and food services, along with hygienic, clothing and household items25 Van Ness Ave, Suite 340
San Francisco, CA 94102 1-855-588-7968 – call for an appointment
San Francisco Safe HouseWomen’s shelter; compassionate services; case management.415-643-7861
Sixth Street Self-Help CenterDrop-in center, peer counseling for mental health and substance abuse; employment resource center; GED prep. Forms are signed for current clients only.169 6th Street
181 6th Street
San Francisco, CA 94103 (415) 369-3040
St. Anthony’s FoundationSocial Work Center, case management services, drop-in technology lab, and meal services. Forms are signed for current clients only.121 Golden Gate Ave
San Francisco, CA 94102 (415) 592-2742
Swords to PlowsharesSupportive housing, legal services, employment, case management, community activities and support groups for homeless and low-income veterans.1060 Howard Street
San Francisco, CA 94103 (415) 252-4787
Tenderloin Neighborhood Development CorporationSupportive housing; case management; healthy aging; food and nutrition; urban agriculture; after school program. Forms are signed for current clients only.Main Office:
201 Eddy Street
San Francisco, CA 94102 (415) 776 -2151
Tenderloin Self-Help CenterDrop-in center; case management; educational resources; mental health & substance use counseling. Forms are signed for current clients only.146 Leavenworth Street
San Francisco, CA 94102 (415) 749 -2143
The Gubbio ProjectA place to sleep during the day; chaplaincy services; daily provisions & supplies; referrals to outside services and resources.133 Golden Gate
San Francisco, CA 94102
1661 15th Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
6am to 2pm
United Council of Human Services (Mother Brown’s)Resource Center; drop-in center; meal services; employment and job readiness training.2111 Jennings
San Francisco, CA  (415) 671 -1100
Homeless and Caring Court, Alameda County Superior CourtCollaborative court program addressing infractions, citations and other matters for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in Alameda County and /or have outstanding legal matters in Alameda County.  Forms are signed for clients only.

Kathie Barkow Coordinator 510.967.5161 kathiebarkow@earthlink.net

For help submitting the form, or to ask questions about the process, please contact any of the advocates and legal aid providers listed below.

Social Service ProviderServices ProvidedLocation & Contact Info
Bay Area Legal AidLegal advocacy; verify receipt of service; submit form. Forms are signed for current clients only.

1800 Market Street, Fl 3
San Francisco, CA 94102 (415) 982 -1300
 

Coalition on HomelessnessAdvocacy, verify receipt of service, submit form468 Turk Street
San Francisco, CA 94102 (415) 346-3740
Lawyers Committee for Civil RightsAdvocacy, verify receipt of service, submit form(415) 453-9444 
info@LCCR.org
Legal Services for Children

LSC represents youth up to the age of 21. Verify receipt of service, submit form.

(415) 863-3762
Drop-in Clinic
Wed:4pm to 6pm
Thursday: 3pm to 5pm
1254 Market Street, 3rd Floor
San Francisco, CA 94102 
Homeless Advocacy Project (HAP)Assists with SSI applications and immigration documentation for homeless or at risk of homeless. Forms are signed for current clients only.125 Hyde Street
San Francisco, CA 94102 (415) 575-3130

Step 3

Get 20 hours of social service assistance and have your service provider complete the form

Step 4

Have your service provider send the completed form to SFDA.CONNECT@sfgov.org

If you meet the requirements and spent 20 hours with a qualified social services provider, you are eligible to have your infraction dismissed by the District Attorney’s Office.

Important Deadlines

While you are completing your hours, you must still follow the instructions located on you citation. If you do not submit the Citation Dismissal Form before the date listed on the bottom of your citation, you may be charged a $300 civil assessment fee. To ensure you do not receive a $300 civil assessment fee, either submit the Citation Dismissal Form before the date listed on your citation, or ask your service provider to notify the District Attorney’s Office that you need more time. Your service provider can email SFDA.CONNECT@sfgov.org with your name and citation number, and the court will extend the deadline by 60 days. If you have already received a $300 civil assessment, you can still submit your form and request that the late fee is waived.

Frequently Asked Questions

Quality of life citations are issued for infractions like sleeping and camping on the street, loitering, panhandling, and many others. For the full list of citations that are eligible for dismissal, click here

Oftentimes, people who are homeless receive these citations. 

If you are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of homelessness and received any of the citations listed here, you may be able to have the citation dismissed by receiving help from a caseworker or social service provider.

To apply for the dismissal, print out this form and bring it to any approved community organization and social service provider, listed here. After you receive at least 20 hours of assistance, the social services organization or your attorney may submit the verification form on your behalf to the District Attorney’s Office, and will request that the citation be dismissed. The District Attorney’s office will let the social service provider know if your citation has been dismissed.  

You may choose from any of the approved list of service providers, located here. These providers offer support in accessing food, housing, mental health counseling, employment, drug and alcohol services, and more.

If your organization is not on the approved list, the organization may submit the form, along with a description of their services and a copy of their 501c3 status to the District Attorney’s Office. The District Attorney’s office cannot guarantee that any organization will be added to the list but will consider such requests.

You may still be eligible for a reduction on your citation through the San Francisco Superior Court. Please visit the Court’s “Can’t Afford to Pay” website for eligibility and options that may be available to you.

If you received a Traffic Court ticket, which includes traffic violations and/or quality of life citations, you may be eligible for a reduction on your citation through the San Francisco Superior Court. Please visit the Court’s “Can’t Afford to Pay” website for eligibility and options that may be available to you.

If you do not respond by the date on your citation, you may be charged a $300 assessment fee. If you are worried you will not complete your hours by the date listed on your citation, you can have your service provider alert the District Attorney’s Office that you intend to resolve your ticket through services. Your service provider can email SFDA.CONNECT@sfgov.org with your name and citation number, and the court will extend the deadline by 60 days. If you have already received a $300 civil assessment, you can still submit your form and request that the late fee is waived. 

You can submit the form without a copy of your citation if necessary. Make sure you complete all of the fields in the form, including the citation number, your name, date of birth, and California Driver’s License/Identification number if available. The District Attorney will complete necessary paperwork and contact the Court with the information provided, and the Court will verify the citation number against their records. If the citation number is correct, the citation will be dismissed. If the citation number does not match their records, the court will reply all to the email request and let the social service provider know the request has been declined for that reason.

If you don’t know your citation number, you can look it up at in the Hall of Justice at 850 Bryant Street, room 145 in San Francisco, CA.

The District Attorney will accept one form verifying 20 hours of social services to clear multiple Quality of Life citations. The District Attorney reserves the right to not process the petitions for individuals that have an excessive number of citations within a short timeframe, according to their discretion.

The District Attorney’s office is able to process these requests if you complete your twenty service hours and the form is turned in within 60 days from when the citation was given. If you turn in a form after 60 days, the District Attorney staff will submit a request that the ticket, and any corresponding late fees or civil penalties, to be suspended by the Superior Court.

Your service provider can complete one form that lists all of your citations numbers, regardless of whether or not the citations are current or past-due.

Yes. You should submit your form, and indicate that you received a civil assessment on the form.

If it is not past the due date on your ticket, you should not have a late fee. If it is 20 days after your due date, you may have gotten a notice in the mail. If you are unsure, go the San Francisco Court and go to room 145. The court is located in the Hall of Justice at 850 Bryant Street in San Francisco. You can also contact one of the community advocates on this list. Community advocates are listed on the last page of this list.

To be eligible for the program, you must be experiencing homelessness or at imminent risk of homelessness. This includes individuals living in shelters, Single Room Occupancy hotels (SROs), or individuals without a permanent nighttime residence.

When people experiencing homelessness are unable to access this program, the consequences that result from these citations can create barriers to employment and housing. Their unpaid citations – and the added on $300 civil assessments for missing court dates – can add up to court debt that can damage their credit score, make it hard to secure housing, and can limit access to some supportive programs. This program allows individuals struggling with homelessness to get the assistance they need, and frees up needed resources at the Court and the District Attorney’s Office.