Tulare County assistance programs. 

Rent assistance and prevent evictions

Almost $3 million in government funds will be provided to Tulare and Kings County. The program is known as the "Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program". It will distribute short- and medium-term rental assistance to prevent evictions, stave off homelessness or to also help those who are currently homeless  find new housing quickly.

The money will go to the following groups and organizations.

• Community Services Employment Training $745,000 ((559) 757-1601)
• Salvation Army $580,318 ((559) 733-2784)
• Kings Community Action Organization $289,828
• Aspiranet $116,855
• United Way of Tulare County $275,185
• Center for Independent Living $247,960 ((559) 622-9276)
• Kings United Way $244,301
• Central California Family Crisis Center $200,000
• Kings County Human Services Agency $85,553
• Visalia Rescue Mission $15,000

One of the primary goals is to prevent homelessness, as it is far easier to prevent it than to deal with it after the fact or after someone has been evicted.

The federal government funds are meant to offer short to medium term housing relief, and are not intended to provide long-term housing solutions and offer no mortgage assistance to those facing foreclosure. What is covered by the program includes:

• Shorter term rental assistance (up to three months).
• Medium-term rental assistance (up to 18 months).
• Money fir first month rent and security deposits.
• Utility deposits and payments for energy bills.
• Moving-cost assistance.
• Hotel and motel vouchers.

The payments that are made as a result of the program will not be made directly to households but to third parties such as the families utility companies or landlords, government officials have reported.

Utility Bill Assistance and Weatherization

The local community action agency, Community Services and Employment Training (C-SET), provides both utility bill assistance programs and weatherization services. They are located in Visalia California, but have several locations. The main phone number is (559) 732-4194. The energy bill assistance program offered by CSET’s  helps pay utility bills for low to moderate income families who live in Tulare County. The aid is limited in that it is offered but once per year low to moderate income families who live in Tulare County. They can have either their Southern California Edison or their Southern California Gas bill paid through CSET’s Utility Assistance Program.

In addition to financial assistance and the cash grants indicated above, we also provide applicants with Energy Conservation Information and Weatherization Programs. The federally funded Weatherization program is provided for free to low and middle income families who either rent or own an apartment, home or mobile home in Tulare County. The goal of this weatherization program is to help low and moderate income households lower their energy and heating costs by improving the energy efficiency of their homes. If you apply and are qualified for aid, eligible residents will receive free cost effective measures such as: water heater blankets, weather stripping of exterior doors, lighting retrofits, water restrictors and low-flow shower heads, switch and outlet gaskets, carbon monoxide detectors, gas appliance repair or replacement, glass window repair or replacement, and other minor home repairs. Find additional ways to get help with energy bills.

Foreclosure and mortgage counseling

Millions of people are struggling with their mortgage. If you are one of those homeowners who is in danger of losing their home to a foreclosure filing, CSET may be able to help you. They have mortgage counselors who can help you understand your options and provide you with information that may help save your home from a foreclosure filing. Find additional resources to stop a foreclosure.

You need to dial the foreclosure hotline number (559-741-4646) and leave your name and contact information. One of their mortgage counselors will return your call as soon as possible. Services offered and the counseling provided are free.

Food aid and pantries

FoodLink of Tulare County, which is based in Visalia, provides help to needy individuals. FoodLink, which is a food bank and distribution center that was established in 1978, distributes food and groceries to low moderate income families in Tulare County through 80 food pantries, charities, soup kitchens, summer food sites, and shelters located throughout the region. (559) 651-3663.

Food, clothing, energy bill, housing and rent assistance

Contact Open Gate Ministries at (559) 591-1241. This charity organization provides people in need with food, shelter, financial assistance for paying rent, clothing, direct assistance and cash grants, and training to homeless, people facing the lose of their home, the hungry, and unemployed who are in need of aid.

The Salvation Army - Porterville organization assists local families and individuals who are in need of help for paying utility bills, that need emergency housing and rent assistance, prescription medications, and they can even provide gasoline vouchers. Phone (661) 823-8783.

Community Services and Employment Training (C-SET) is a non-profit community action agency. They help the working poor, low income, homeless, senior citizens, and others who need aid. Various resources and services are offered.

• Employment Connection Centers - Get help finding a job from centers that assist local job seekers. These employment centers offer counseling, job training, job leads, resume reviews, online classes and workshops to help you find a job, increase your income or improve job skills.
• Mortgage Counseling Option and Foreclosure Prevention - Services are offered free of charge, and the assistance covers foreclosure FAQ, government mortgage programs, foreclosure timelines, options that are available to prevent foreclosures, and free counseling.
• Utility and gas bill assistance - By utilizing state of California funds, the CSET community action agency can assist low-income, Tulare County residents, by paying a portion of their gas or electric bill up to once per year.

Other programs offered include Homeless Prevention & Rapid Rehousing, Senior Home Repair, Income tax preparation, and Weatherization. Call the Visalia based Community Services and Employment Training (C-SET) at (559) 732-4194.