Resources for Immigrant and Newcomer Families*
If you are worried or have questions about immigration and public benefits for you or your loved ones, you can call the confidential Bay Area Free Legal Aid Advice Line (800) 551-5554. The city and county of San Francisco also has an FAQ with the most up-to-date information about public charge.
The following resources are for immigrant families, including newcomer families and families with mixed-citizen status. For resources specific to non-immigrant families, please visit our general community resources page.
Newcomer Family Resources: We know that finding support can feel overwhelming for newcomer families. This pamphlet is designed to help by connecting you to local organizations and resources in San Francisco. Available in English, Spanish, and Cantonese!
Driver’s License and Identification
San Francisco City ID: If you live in San Francisco, a SF City Card can give you access to city services and benefits. San Francisco’s City IDs are free and don’t show immigration status.
Location: SF City Hall (Room 160) 1Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Pl. 94102 | Make an appointment: 415-701-2311
AB 60 Driver’s License: is a type of driver’s license issued in California to undocumented individuals who meet specific requirements.
Early Care and Education
San Francisco Rapid Response Hotline
San Francisco Rapid Response Hotline: Many Bay Area counties, including San Francisco, offer a 24-hour multilingual hotline to report and investigate ICE activities. Rapid Response Networks dispatch legal advocates to assist individuals during encounters.
San Francisco Rapid Response Hotline: 415-200-1548
When should I call the hotline?
- If you or someone you know is detained by ICE in San Francisco or witness ICE activity, call the Rapid Response 24-Hour Network Hotline: 415-200-1548. (Spanish, Arabic, Mandarin and Cantonese)
- Taking photos or recording from a safe distance is advised
Key Things to Remember:
- Have an immigration attorney’s contact information with you. There is no right to a free attorney unless you are charged with a crime. There are organizations that can help you find low-cost or free immigration attorneys.
- Once an arrest has been confirmed, attorneys will go to the processing center to support the individual.
Family Preparedness
Planning for Your Child’s Care in an Emergency: If you or someone you know is detained, having a plan in place ensures your child is cared for by a trusted adult. Identify a family member or friend with legal status in the U.S. who can step in if needed. Make sure they have the necessary legal authorization and know how to respond in an emergency. If detained, you have the right to request a call to arrange for your child’s care.
For more information, we’ve compiled a list of resources to guide you in creating a Family Preparedness Plan:
Creating a Plan:
Preparing for Family Emergencies:
Knowing Your Rights
Know Your Rights Toolkit: The Immigrant Legal Resource Center offers a Know Your Rights toolkit (Updated Jan 2025) to help individuals stay informed and prepared for encounters with immigration authorities.
The toolkit includes:
- Know Your Rights Handout (8 languages)
- Self-Service Red Card (printout): A resource that helps individuals understand and practice their legal rights during encounters with ICE. It can be handed out during workshops, used in role-play scenarios, and included in presentations to demonstrate how to assert those rights calmly and effectively.
What to Do If You Are Arrested or Detained by Immigration:
- Find Immigration Legal Help: https://immigrants.sf.gov/
- Get an immigration screening: https://immigrants.sf.gov/help/screening
- Call the San Francisco Rapid Response Hotline: 415-200-1548
Public Charge
Human Services Agency – Public Charge & Public Benefits
Let’s Talk About Public Charge
- Getting the Help You Need
You Have Rights – Protect Your Health
Benefits
Family Support Services
Family Resource Centers: Are essential for the community and newcomer families, providing a sense of community, support groups, abundant resources, cultural preservation, educational support for children, advocacy, and more!
Below are a few nonprofits that offer a wide range of supportive services:
CARECEN: Connects low-income individuals, migrants, and newly arrived families with essential services and resources, promoting self-sufficiency and social integration.
Location: 3143 Mission St. SF, CA 94110 | Phone: 415-872-7465
Good Samaritan: Help vulnerable families, including immigrants, access services, build self-sufficiency, and fully integrate into the San Francisco community. They support families in overcoming poverty and displacement through skills, resources, and assistance.
Location: 1294 Potrero Ave. SF, CA 94110 | Phone: 415-401-4253
Family Connections Centers: Offer multilingual, community-driven education and support to help children and families thrive. View their multiple locations below:
- Portola Center: 2565 San Bruno Ave, SF, CA 94112 | Phone: 415-715-6746
- Excelsior Center: 5016 Mission St. SF, CA 94112 | Phone: 415-333-3845
- Visitacion Valley Center: 1099 Sunnydale Ave. SF, CA 94134 | Phone: 415-715-6746
The Women’s Building: A community space that promotes self-determination, gender equality, and social justice, offering social services and a collaborative environment for community groups to enhance their work.
Location: 3543 Mission St. SF, CA 94110 | Phone: 415-431-1180
Compass Family Services: Supports families with well-being services, including parenting education, support groups, case management, and essential supplies like groceries and diapers.
Location: 37 Grove St. SF, CA 94102 | 415-644-0504 | Note: Due to high call volumes, visiting in person is recommended.
Latino Task Force: Community-based coalition that provides resources and support to Latino communities. Their services include housing assistance, job support, food distribution, healthcare access, immigration aid, and education programs.
Location: 701 Alabama St. SF, CA 94110
To view the full list of Family Resource Centers, please visit the “Community Resources” page under Family Support Services.
Legal Services
Catholic Charities: Supports immigrant communities by helping clients gain legal status and economic independence through services before USCIS and immigration courts, addressing critical issues like homelessness and inequality.
Location: 990 Eddy St. SF, CA 94109 | Phone: 415-972-1200
Immigration Center for Women and Children: Offers free or affordable immigration services to underrepresented immigrants in California and Nevada, focusing on children and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other crimes.
To view locations, visit: ICWC Multiple Locations
La Raza: Bridges San Francisco and Spanish-speaking immigrant families, offering support and advocacy to help Latino and Indigenous communities access resources and thrive.
Location: 474 Valencia, Suite 100, SF, CA 94103 | Phone: 415-863-0764
Justice and Diversity Center: The Justice & Diversity Center of The Bar Association of San Francisco created this guide to assist unrepresented individuals in non-detained dockets at the San Francisco Immigration Court. It is an informational resource, not a substitute for legal advice, as immigration laws are complex and constantly changing.
For more information, visit: https://www.sfbar.org/jdc/
Immigrant Legal Resource Center: Educates and empowers immigrants, communities, and the legal sector to promote diversity and uphold rights in a democratic society.
For more information, visit: https://www.ilrc.org/community-resources
Mission Action: Offers legal support for urgent ICE-related issues and deportation defense, as well as immigrant rights education and workshops for organizations.
Location: 938 Valencia St. SF, CA 94110 | For legal support regarding deportation defense or other immigration cases, call 415-282-6209 ext. 130 or email immigration@missionaction.org.
*Please note: While Children’s Council strives to make the information made available in these documents (and throughout our website) as timely and accurate as possible, we make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the contents of these documents, and expressly disclaim liability for errors and omissions in the contents of these materials. We encourage readers to contact the organizations that have produced these materials directly for more information.