Eviction Defense Collaborative

The Eviction Defense Collaborative strives to prevent homelessness, preserve affordable housing, and protect the diversity of San Francisco. We work toward these goals by providing emergency rental assistance and by helping low-income tenants gain equal access to the law in order to assert their rights at court.

Our families, our community, our economy, and our health all depend on the security and stability that come from having a place to call home. Only when we ensure this basic human right can we grow as individuals to produce a just, prosperous, and equitable society. Because of the high cost of housing in San Francisco, thousands of families and individuals struggle every day to meet this most basic human need. Each time someone loses the struggle against eviction and becomes homeless or is forced to leave the City, San Francisco loses a little more of the dignity and diversity that gives it its cherished spirit.

Many of the people who come to the EDC to volunteer are law students interested in public interest law, however, people from all walks of life have volunteered at the EDC since previous legal experience is not required. We welcome volunteers who are serious about helping tenants facing eviction and are willing to learn about landlord-tenant law.

Responsibilities

Under the supervision of a staff attorney, our legal volunteers and interns interview and counsel tenants facing eviction and assist in the preparation of necessary paperwork. We also have volunteer positions within our Rental Assistance component (RADCo). These volunteers work under the direct supervision of our Rental Assistance Coordinators. RADCo volunteers interview tenants needing rental assistance and assist the program coordinators with various administrative tasks. Also, the EDC fundraising staff are eager to train a grantwriter in exchange for some assistance in the development department.

All volunteers are asked to commit to at least two 4-hour shifts per week, although more shifts are encouraged. Additionally, legal volunteers are asked to attend in-service trainings during their time with us.

How to Volunteer

If you are interested in tenants' rights and enjoy working with others, you may be able to volunteer at the EDC. Experience in or knowledge of landlord-tenant law is preferred, but not required. We provide formal and hands-on training in landlord-tenant law, civil procedure, and working with clients.

Volunteers interested in nonprofit development, fundraising, event planning, administrative or IT work are also welcome.

Bilingual volunteers (especially Spanish and Chinese) and volunteers who have experience working with diverse populations are especially needed.

If interested, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator at: volunteer@evictiondefense.org