Decentered’s Bay Area Survival Guide

Decentered’s Bay Area Survival Guide is a living resource offering practical strategies for affordable housing, free resources, gig work, and community support across the Bay Area. Rooted in mutual aid and firsthand experience, it highlights ways to find belonging, sustain creativity, and access help in one of the country’s most expensive regions.

Nehemiah Aldrich 

Willy

May-Li Khoe

Hugo De La Lune

Flex Dalit

Joseph Kidney

JR Rice

Charlie Getter

Megan Mackey

Teodore Mata

 Caroline King

Danielle Truppi

Cole Skaggs

Mot.Physics

Mary Evans

Isabelle Correa

Lara Volski

Andre Hessini

Tim Pierce

Francisco Rivarola

Vesper Synd

Erica Knox 

Dan Gorelick

Yevgeniya Shtalenkova

Timmorie Freeman

Xxhe

Anna Bolender

King Isis

Kanaaiya

Grace D'Anca

Xiao Z

Samantha Alexa

Giorgia Sage

Skye Battles

Kelsie Lu

Lacy Green

Maya Cowan

Liz Cahill

Ben Cohen

Grace Chao

Jada Carmen

Judy By Grace

Elijah Madnewton

Izara Achamyalesh

Violet Trachtenberg

Kadir Uyanik

John Potter

Amieliana Rivero

James Morehead

Shahleelah Bibble

Jen Furman

LadiRev 

Angelica Lamarca

Niambi Walker

J.R. Rice

Kian Locke

Phil Elleston

Raven Mangiante

Sophia Morel

Justin Bagnall

Zara Jamshed

Beth & Liny

Gather SF

Alekzeta

Alex in Waves

Graham Ramsey

Heather Maitland

Malcolm Squire

Yvonne Wang

Rev. Hooman

Morepower

Heather June

Nes Hafsa

Jaron Smith

Hah Holton

Carly

Joelle Provost

Alethea Jackson

Beth McLeod

Giovanna Lomanto

Highbrow Crap

Mark Flores

Jennifer Lewis

Peter Eckersley

Jorell

Marina Joranhezon

Carolyne

Savinay Nangalia

Tifa Love

Aiya Madarang

Lucie Pereira

Joshua Reyes 

Papi Grande

Chris Lowrie

Duran Van Der Meulen

Maxine Z Flasher-Duzgunes

Barbie

Alicia Davon

Arthur Cow

Eline Castro 

A diverse group of individuals wearing white and purple attire, standing together in a social setting.

Catacombs III: Experimental Tundric Ice Opera 2

Hands browse clothes on hangers above a blue invitation reading "Tectonic Threads Clothing Swap," with event details and encouraging "Drop ins welcome!"

A woman in a skirt and jacket speaks into a microphone during a presentation or event.

Four women in a cozy, warmly lit lounge, smiling and chatting. Three sit on a bench wearing vibrant outfits, one stands holding a drink. Relaxed, joyful mood.

Colorful abstract art on a wall; text advertises an intergenerational poetry salon at Ruth's Table, July 11th. Keywords: Poetry, Open Mic, Visual Art.

Two individuals in white robes stand against a solid black background, creating a striking visual contrast.

Catacombs III: Experimental Tundric Ice Opera 1

A woman addresses a crowd, engaging them with her speech and gestures.

DECENTERED WRITERS GROUP ANTHOLOGY #1 LAUNCH 2

Audience members sitting in a room, focused on a woman delivering a speech on stage.

A lively gathering in a colorful room features a central figure wearing a bold, artistic outfit, surrounded by engaged attendees. The mood is vibrant and festive.

An individual in black and pink attire, smiling at the camera.

Piles 2 (j.ehren x Piles of San Francisco) 1

A woman operates DJ equipment while a man in a suit sings or speaks into a microphone; colorful, psychedelic artwork is visible in the background.

A diverse group of people poses for a photo in front of a stage, showcasing a festive atmosphere.

A speaker addresses a large audience, passionately sharing ideas and connecting with listeners through his speech.

People admire artwork in a gallery, with a large screen displaying a vibrant, colorful design in the background.

A diverse group of people in chairs, gathered for an event in a comfortable indoor setting.

Person with spiky blue hair and blue lipstick wears a white lace-up crop top and mini skirt, striking a confident pose. Background shows two people.

A speaker engages an audience while standing before a collection of artworks.

A woman in an outdoor setting sings into a microphone, exuding confidence. She wears a black outfit and stands near sound equipment with colorful lights blurred in the background.

A person in a fur coat reads poetry at a microphone under soft lights. Event details: "Poolside Poets at The Phoenix Hotel, March 14th, 6:30 PM, San Francisco."

A woman stands at a podium, addressing an attentive crowd in a well-lit room.

A woman in black tights and high heels stands in a pose, exuding confidence and showcasing her chic style.

A woman with an afro playing an acoustic guitar, showcasing her musical talent.

Two women performing a duet in front of a rustic brick wall, expressing emotion through their singing.

A man stands before a gathering of people, delivering a speech and capturing the attention of the crowd.

Participants enjoying a sound bath with ice instruments, surrounded by a calming environment for mindfulness and peace.

A group of diverse individuals standing together in a well-lit room, engaged in conversation.

Piles Garbage Age Fashion and Art Finale 3

Eerie scene with figures draped in glowing, blue and green fabric in a forest. A central figure sits with an open book, surrounded by ethereal light.

CATACOMBS IV: An Extraterrestrial Art Gathering

Illustration of clothes hanging on a line: pants, sweaters, shirt, and skirt. Text: "Tectonic Threads: Clothing Swap, September 25th 6-9PM, 1175 Folsom St, San Francisco, CA.

A woman wearing a white dress paired with red shoes walks gracefully along the runway.

A model confidently walks the runway, showcasing the latest fashion designs at a vibrant fashion show.

A diverse group of people in chairs, engaged in a discussion while facing a large screen in a conference setting.

Colorful poster for "La Femme Boheme: Poets" event. Features abstract art of women, event details, and poet names. Warm, artistic, and inviting tone.

A lively outdoor performance featuring a diverse band with instruments, while an audience enjoys the music at a vibrant venue.

Colorful promotional flyer for "Poolside Poets" event at The Phoenix Hotel, featuring music by Breezy. Happening September 12th. Dress code: Wonderland Tea Party.

A group of people sits on the floor of a cozy room, listening attentively to a speaker by a small wooden platform and a microphone.

A man addresses an audience at a microphone, with a large photo visible in the background.

A black-and-white outdoor performance features a woman reading at a microphone and another dancing expressively, with a DJ in the background and audience chairs in the foreground. The scene conveys a lively and artistic atmosphere.

Event poster for 'Gen Blend!' featuring four writers with photos: someone reading, a person speaking at a mic, and two casual portraits. Event details: Thursday, October 3rd, 5:30-7:30 PM at Ruth's Table, San Francisco. Includes sponsors' logos at the bottom.

A diverse group of people talking in a lobby, with stylish furnishings and a welcoming atmosphere.

A model showcases a fashionable ensemble while walking the runway at a lively fashion show

A woman in a corset stands inside a cage, showcasing a blend of fashion and confinement.

A group of diverse people smiling and posing for a photo

A diverse group of people in chairs, attentively listening to a speaker in a conference room.

A diverse group of people is positioned in a room with art pieces hanging on the walls.

An old man in blue suit reciting a poem on stage in front of a colorful backdrop

A diverse group of people standing in a room adorned with various plants and greenery on the walls, creating a vibrant atmosphere.

Art exhibition poster for 'Capitalist(ick)' by Eunnuri Lee. Left side shows a woman seated on a floor surrounded by photos. Right side lists event details, including Uzay Gallery, July 29th, 6-9 PM, featuring music by Dan Gorelick.

A diverse group of people gathered in a room adorned with colorful graffiti on the walls, engaging in conversation.

A musician plays guitar and sings on stage in front of an audience, with a colorful patchwork fabric backdrop behind her.

A group of musicians playing violins and flutes together in a cozy room setting.

Piles Fashion and Art in the Garbage Age 2

A woman speaks to an attentive audience, conveying her message with confidence.

Woman meditates in a serene outdoor setting, sitting cross-legged on a stone path. The poster promotes a guided meditation session, noting details such as 'Decentered Studio,' 'Every Monday, Sep 22, 2025,' and the time '6:00 PM - 7:00 PM.' The overall tone is calm and inviting.

Guided Meditation with Gabi Gazzola Promo

A trio of women dressed in colorful attire, strumming guitars and harmonizing in a cheerful musical performance.

Experimental ice opera set in catacombs, showcasing a tundra landscape with dramatic lighting and unique artistic elements.

Catacombs III: Experimental Tundric Ice Opera Promo

Psychedelic-themed poster for HAH Couture event on August 19th, 8-11 PM at Dojo SF. Features art show, fashion show, music, and prizes. Bold, wavy design.

A woman stands in front of a colorful quilt wall, showcasing various intricate patterns and designs.

A creative poster for 'Physical Storytelling' with Francis Acquino. It features a person framed by a scalloped cutout, wearing a red outfit and striking a dynamic pose against a textured blue background. Event details: Saturday, October 4, 2025, from 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM at Decentered Studio.

Physical storytelling with Francis Acquino Promo

A woman speaks or sings into a microphone in front of a colorful mural featuring a large mushroom and a staircase. She stands near speakers and audio equipment.

A woman in a denim jacket is engrossed in reading a book to an audience in front of a microphone.

A stylish promotional poster for the Poolside Poets event at The Phoenix Hotel, highlighting music by King Isis and details of the gathering.

Fashion show poster with bold graphics. A stylish model poses dramatically in a cut-out black outfit. Details include event date, Aug 20th at Uzay Gallery, with DJ sets by Source Zero, Stark Fader, Payamair, and Jessiecat. Retro vibe and vibrant green accents convey excitement.

A woman sits reading by a window, overlaid with green nature imagery. Event details for "An Outlet for My Recluse" poetry reading are displayed.

A diverse group of people in camouflage attire stands together, smiling for a picture in an outdoor environment.

A black-and-white collage with repeated text "J. EHREN" on the left and multiple overlapping images of a person holding their face. Textured background adds depth.

A man is positioned in front of a bar, with several people seated around him, engaged in lively discussions.

A vibrant poolside scene at The Phoenix Hotel promotes a "Poolside Poets" event with poetry, live music, and dance on November 30th in San Francisco. The poster features a lit-up swimming pool with reflective numbers, surrounded by modern hotel architecture and tropical plants. The atmosphere is lively and inviting. Dress code: "Something old, something new."

Four people gather in a colorful room with vibrant, abstract wall art. A woman sits on a red chair, while three others stand and chat nearby.

A group of people interact in a cozy room filled with decor items, under a sparkling chandelier, creating a warm social atmosphere.

A woman stands at a microphone, passionately reading her poetry to an engaged audience

A a group of diverse people holding shampoo bottles acting dramatic in front of a vibrant backdrop in a theatre setup

Several individuals pose on a wall adorned with vibrant graffiti, highlighting street art culture and social interaction.

Piles 2 (j.ehren x Piles of San Francisco) 2

Event poster for 'An evening of sultry poetry and pole dance at Sluts the Wine Bar.' Features a neon sign reading 'Poems to Spit or Swallow?' and a pole performer in colorful lighting. Event details include April 27th, 7 PM onwards, and dress code: Lacy Lawless. Blue background with wine bar logo.

A serene portrait of Nico Elizabeth Hampton, embodying softness and sincerity in her expression.

pink background with a blurred photo of Jeremy Salazar with text containging the event information

Audience members sitting in a room, focused on a presenter delivering a speech from the stage.

Two women in colorful costumes and elaborate makeup pose together at a lively party, showcasing their festive spirit.

A woman dressed in red is holding a piece of paper, appearing engaged with its content.

A man and woman joyfully playing music together at a lively party, surrounded by guests enjoying the atmosphere.

A cozy gathering with people talking and laughing while seated on elegant couches and a plush rug in a warmly lit room, creating a relaxed ambiance.

A woman in a sleek black dress is engaged in playing a keyboard, creating music in an energetic atmosphere.

Young woman in a white crop top joyfully sings into a microphone on stage, surrounded by vibrant lighting. A bandmate plays guitar in the background.

A woman addresses an audience in a well-lit room, engaging them with her speech.

A smiling person with long blonde hair stands against a neutral background, wearing a paint-splattered, distressed cropped hoodie and sweatpants.

A woman wearing a green jacket addresses an audience while holding a microphone.

A model in a vibrant blue dress posing on the runway in front of a neon backdrop

Two women playing guitars and singing infront of a projector

Three men sitting on a couch, each holding a wine glass, engaged in conversation and enjoying their time together.

Piles 2 (j.ehren x Piles of San Francisco) 3

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Decentered’s Bay Area Survival Guide

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