Community Services

provide an essential service to individuals who are required by the Social Security Administration to have a Representative Payee (Rep-Payee) and also provide voluntary money management to those who have difficulties navigating the public assistance system. 

Many adults living with mental conditions and other challenging social situations lack practical skills in managing their money—which puts them at risk of becoming homeless, along with a host of related problems.

Conard House offers money management and client advocacy services to more than 1,100 adults at three Tenderloin and South of Market Community Services Centers. We counsel clients on the most effective ways to stretch their limited resources. We also directly handle finances for clients, disbursing client funds for rent, food, clothing and personal needs. 

The services are free, easily accessible and provide flexibility to fit individual needs. The core services of the Representative Payee (Rep-Payee) program include: money management, income advocacy, and assis­tance finding or maintaining housing. Staff work in collaboration with clients to develop a monthly spending budget that covers basic needs and allows for personal expenses throughout the month. 

Staff provides support services and refer­rals to community resources such as medical services, mental health, legal assistance, substance use services, and food and clothing donation resources. Case Managers often times act as the liaison of services with other providers. For some clients, staff is their only sup­port provider in the community. 

Staff assist clients with maintaining housing stability by making timely rent payments, negotiating rent rates with private SRO landlords, communicating with property management and helping to resolve lease violations as well as advocating for tenant's rights and referring clients to legal services as needed.