NEW VIDEO ALERT!

How the South Market Micro Shelter Community Changes Lives

This video offers a powerful glimpse into what the MSC is really about — the people whose lives are being transformed.

What is the South Market
Micro Shelter Community?

United Way of Northern California operates the South Market Micro Shelter Community—MSC for short —a transitional housing program that helps unsheltered individuals move from life on the streets into permanent housing.

Our 8-unit site offers a small-scale approach that allows residents to rebuild their lives within the context of community and a robust support system.

What makes the MSC unique?

Our low-barrier housing first model is built on the belief that when people have their basic needs met, they are better positioned to tackle their long-term goals.

At the MSC, our person-centered approach helps individuals build the skills and confidence needed for greater independence and a brighter future. We make it a point to celebrate our residents' milestones—whether it's days of sobriety, a move-out date, a birthday, an anniversary, or a new job opportunity.

So far, 84% of our residents have successfully transitioned to more stable housing!

Services We Provide:

  • Personalized Case Management
    One-on-one support with housing, employment, and life goals

  • Basic Needs Support
    Showers, hot meals, on-site laundry and a warm bed

  • Mental Health & Recovery Referrals
    Resources, connections to counseling, healthcare, and addiction services

  • Permanent Housing Assistance
    Step-by-step guidance to secure long-term housing

Client Highlight: Meet Richard!

Meet Richard, a resident of the South Market Micro Shelter Community, who is now preparing to move into his own apartment after years of homelessness and recovery. Originally from the Bay Area, Richard shares his powerful story of transformation — from battling substance use and surviving multiple overdoses to finding stability, support, and a path forward through the micro shelter program.

In this inspiring video, Richard reflects on how the shelter helped him reclaim his life, gain sobriety, and overcome the many barriers to housing. Richard – we are excited for you, proud of you, and cheering you on in this next phase of life! Congratulations!

Hear what our residents are saying about their experiences at the South Market Micro Shelter Community:

  • “Everybody here has really helped tremendously with my recovery – watching me do stuff they knew I was capable of. Without places like this and without people like Jenny and everybody here, there wouldn’t have been any way our for me, I would still be out there.”

    – Melissa, former msc resident

  • “They treat you like family here.”

    – Tammy, former msc resident

  • “This is the strongest sense of community I’ve had out of any shelter I’ve been in…It allowed me to rest, it allowed me to plan for the future in more than just a month or two. It allowed me to collect the resources and time I needed to actually take that next step forward…Out of all the shelters I’ve lived in in my entire life, which is a fair number, this is, without even a competition, the best one I’ve ever lived in.”

    – Zac, former msc resident

  • “They all helped tremendously. Helped me make sure I got what I was supposed to do paperwork-wise, and totally behind me, and couldn’t ask for more.”

    – Joe, former msc resident

  • “It’s a good place for a person to get their head on right. If I could get sober and change then I think anybody can, because I didn’t ever thought I would.”

    –Rich, msc resident

  • “This program has helped me so much by just giving me safety and a place to have my stuff. Just the safety of having a door to close behind you is a lot.”

    -Melissa, former msc resident

How you can play a part in solving homelessness in the North State

Our micro shelter community is only possible through the support of our local community. If you are interested in volunteering or donating needed items to the micro shelter, please contact Micro Shelter Site Lead Sara Ray at sray@norcalunitedway.org.

If you are able to make a financial contribution, we encourage you to do so today. Your gift helps our community members find hope, stability, and a place to call home. Every donation change lives!

Click the button below to donate and select the drop-down Homeless Services.