Housing Assistance Resource Information June, 2021
Overview
Federal, State and local funds are available to assist renters and homeowners recover from job and income loss due to the pandemic.
These programs come on the heels of an eviction moratorium that has been promoted again Federally, Statewide and locally.
Each program has different eligibility thresholds, each program is developing target populations to ensure that those most in need are helped. You may be eligible but find yourself outside of those considered most vulnerable and therefore at the end of a long line for available dollars.
The best approach is to apply if you meet the eligibility criteria.
Current California State program for Rental assistance
All Bay Area counties are presently under the State program. This can be found at:
HousingIsKey.com
https://ucilaw.neotalogic.com/a/Cal-Covid-Info-App-for-Tenants-and-Landlords
The basics of this program are to apply for funds:
To pay landlords 80% of back rent due between the months of March 1, 2020 and March 31, 2021. (Governor Newsom is currently discussing expanding this program to pay landlords 100% of bank rent due between the April, 2020 and March, 2021 dates.
Critical information (Please review website for details of eligibility)
- Signed declaration of COVID 19 Related Financial Distress
- Pay 25% of rent due during the Transition period of September 1, 2020 to June 30,2021.
San Francisco Rental Assistance Program
Details currently being worked out. Coverage for period from April 1 to June 30,2021 and possibly longer. We will post links as the program is finalized. This is being designed as a direct rental assistance program.
San Francisco Emergency COVID-19 Rental Assistance Programs
If you have been unable to pay your rent during COVID-19, you may qualify for emergency rental assistance from the State of California and the City and County of San Francisco. Both programs help prevent eviction of our most vulnerable residents, regardless of citizenship status.
We urge you to apply for one or both programs based on the months that you were unable to pay your rent:
- California’s program covers rent due between April 2020 and March 2021. This program offers more assistance paying back-rent if the landlord cooperates and applies for the program with a tenant. The program also pays for utility costs during this time period.
- San Francisco’s program covers rent due in April 2021 and the following months. This program will pay up to three months back-rent owed and three months forward rent. The program lasts until June 30, 2021, when the state moratorium on evictions ends.
Eligibility for both programs
To qualify, one or more individuals of your household must be low-income and:
- Have experienced a reduction in household income, qualified for unemployment benefits, difficulties meeting your expenses, or experienced other financial challenges during COVID-19 or due to COVD-19.
- Demonstrate a risk of losing your housing by providing a past-due rent notice, eviction notice, or proof of unsafe or unhealthy living conditions.
- Have a household income at or below $102,450 for an individual or $146,350 for a family of four.
Please note: The City will prioritize applications from those who are especially vulnerable to being unhoused due to certain economic and social factors. Rental assistance is not based on a first-come, first-served basis.
How to apply
- California’s program: Visit housingiskey.com to apply.
- San Francisco’s program: Beginning on May 28, visit sf.gov/apply-rent-help to apply.
San Francisco Home Owners
Home Ownership Emergency Loan Program: https://sfmohcd.org/COVID19HELP
Need assistance with your application?
Call 3-1-1 to request help with completing state and City applications from a community partner organization.
More information
- View the Frequently Asked Questions on the City of San Francisco website.
- View our Emergency Rental Assistance Program flyer: English | Español
San Francisco Labor Council / Housing Assistance Program
Designed to assist members of SFLC affiliate unions who are in danger of losing their housing due to pandemic. Initial Eligibility priorities:
- Members who lost their employment due to pandemic
- Did not qualify for State rental assistance program or SF City mortgage assistance program.
- In immediate danger of eviction from current housing
Contact Tom Ryan, Community Services Director: tom@sflaborcouncil.org
Resources for Undocumented Workers
- Undocumented Workers Relief Fund in California
- Resources for Undocumented Immigrants and their Families During COVID-19
- COVID-19 Resources for Undocumented Californians
- Undocumented Workers Nationwide COVID Resources
COVID-19 Social Safety Net Resources
- Food assistance (benefitscal.org),
- Rent assistance (needhelppayingbills.com)
- Utility assistance (ca.gov)
- Medical assistance (ca.gov)
- SFUSD Free Meal Distribution
FOOD BANKS
- Contra Costa and Solano Counties
- San Joaquin County
- San Joaquin and Stanislaus Counties
- Sonoma, Humboldt, Del Norte, Mendocino, and Lake counties
- Napa County
- Yolo County
- Sacramento County
- Yuba and Sutter Counties
- Butte, Glenn, Colusa, Plumas, Sierra and Tehama counties
- Silicon Valley
- Alameda County Community Food Bank
- San Francisco and Marin Counties
Search for more here: http://www.cafoodbanks.org/
Federal Resources
- OSHA standards protecting workers from COVID-19.
- The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
- CDC: Plan, Prepare and Respond to Coronavirus Disease
- Identifying Critical Infrastructure During COVID-19
- Social Service Information
- U.S. Department of Labor Pandemic Resources
Keeping working people safe through a health care crisis is a top priority for unions. If you need additional information or have questions, email SFLC Community Services Director Tom Ryan at tom@sflaborcouncil.org and he will try to direct you to appropriate resources.