San Francisco Financial Counseling began when a family experiencing homelessness won a below-market-rate unit in the City’s housing lottery, only to have their housing application denied because they had subprime credit. Officially launched in 2015 and known as Smart Money Coaching, the program has helped thousands of people increase their own financial capability, providing the skills necessary to achieve positive financial outcomes and improve their financial well-being.
Now the program is part of the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund’s Financial Empowerment Center national model. The model emphasizes city government as a trusted source of financial counseling and a coordinator of partnerships that complement other social services through collaborations.
San Francisco Financial Counseling’s Financial Empowerment Center offers free, confidential, and personalized financial counseling tailored to each client's goals. Counseling is available virtually or in person at various community locations. Services are available in multiple languages, and clients can schedule as many meetings as needed. Anyone who lives, works, or receives services in San Francisco can sign up for an appointment today!
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