Realizing that rent will be due soon and you don’t have enough money to pay it is distressing. In California, the state gave out over $4 billion to help people make rent when times were tough during the COVID-19 pandemic. While that specific program is no longer available, if you need help from an emergency rental assistance program in California, you still have options.

From Orange County to San Francisco County and everywhere in between, there are people who will help you keep a roof over your head and work toward a more financially secure future.

CalWORKs California Emergency Rental Assistance Program

This program provides emergency rental assistance as well as support for food, utilities, and other essentials for California families in need. There is a welfare office that can help you apply for CalWORKs in every county. This program will give you cash aid that you can use for your most pressing needs – rent included.

The amount of financial assistance you can get from CalWORKs is determined based on several factors, including:

Whether your family includes people with special needs.
How many people in your family are eligible based on income.
Your overall household income.
If your household includes children who have been deprived of support or care due to a parent’s absence, disability, or death.
If your household’s principal earner is unemployed.

If you’re curious whether or not your household qualifies for this program, you can contact your county’s Social Services for help.

Emergency Rental Assistance in Orange County, CA

Orange County offers its own emergency rental assistance programs tailored to the needs of its residents. This housing assistance is funded by the US US Department of Treasury and managed by local government. It aims to support low-income households that have been adversely affected by the pandemic.

As with most local ERAP programs, services offered include rental assistance and utility payments to help keep people in their houses with functional services, such as water, electricity, gas, and more.

To apply for the Orange County Emergency Rental Assistance Program (OC ERAP) you will need to apply through the Orange County Housing Authority online portal. Required documentation to receive assistance will include proof of your income, a copy of the rental agreement, and any evidence you can provide related to proving your financial hardship and relationship to the pandemic.

Riverside County Housing Support Program

This program is available to Riverside County residents who are struggling to make rent. The Housing Support Program can be used in addition to support from CalWORKs to help Riverside residents afford all of their basic needs.

Whether you’re concerned about an upcoming rent payment or already close to eviction, this Housing Support Program can help you make ends meet. You can find out if your household qualifies by getting in touch with them via email at hsp@rivco.org or via phone call at 833-391-0506.

Rental Assistance Programs in San Diego County

The Housing Authority of the County of San Diego (HACSD) offers a multitude of rental assistance options depending on your unique circumstances. You may qualify for assistance if you earn less than 50% of the median income in your area, even if that wouldn’t qualify as low income in other areas.

Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS

This program provides housing assistance to people living with HIV and AIDS. If you or anyone in your household have AIDS or HIV and are low income, make sure you check the box for Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) when you apply for rental assistance.

Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing

This program provides rental assistance to qualified homeless veterans. If you are already behind on rent and facing eviction, and you or anyone in your household are a military veteran, this program may be able to help you avoid homelessness and get back on your feet.

Income-Based Rental Assistance

If you qualify based on income but don’t have any veterans or AIDS and HIV patients in your household, you can still apply for the San Diego County income-based rental assistance program. The highest priority for these programs goes to residents with:

Elderly household members
Disabled household members
Jobs that have them working 32+ hours per week
A history of homelessness
Dependent children

Even if you don’t meet the criteria for highest priority, however, you can still receive assistance based on income. You can find out if you qualify by applying for rental assistance.

Other Local Emergency Rental Assistance Programs in California

As a vast and diverse state, California offers many different rental assistance programs, which vary based on jurisdiction. Some of the largest, and therefore most impactful programs include those based in Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, and Riverside counties. The specific agency handling cases in each region can vary depending on the structure of the local government.

If you’re not sure where to look for help in your county, you can use the Affordable Housing Hub search page to find the programs available in your area.

Finding and Accessing the Right Program for You

Navigating all the details of getting into an emergency rental assistant program can be challenging. However, California’s emergency rental programs offer vital support for anyone who is facing a time of financial hardship.

Whether you are in a major city or a small town, help is available. Document your situation, follow application instructions carefully, and remember that these programs are designed to keep you and your family safe and housed. If you need help figuring out the right next step, reach out to your local agency and get help today.