Eviction prevention services and rehousing assistance programs Solano County.
There are several agencies that offer eviction assistance to low income Solano County tenants as well as those that are in an emergency situation. There is help to both resolve the crisis, which will ideally prevent the resident from going homeless, as well as more long term support arranged around employment and housing stability.
Several agencies can help low to moderate income tenants that have a pay or quit notice. They include Catholic Social Service of Solano County, St. Vincent of Vallejo, the Family Resource Center (FRC), and the Health and Social Service Department among others. Another provider of eviction assistance will be the agencies that take part in the services that the United Way offers, as this non-profit partners with many charities and churches to help the vulnerable.
Not only may HUD grants or other financial help be provided to tenants, but those who own their home in the area can also access homeless prevention services. A homeowner will tend to be given support in the form of information on the home loan modification process or foreclosure counseling to help resolve a mortgage issue.
Financial aid to stop an eviction
Based on the availability of funding (which is very limited and goes quickly) the qualified applicant can be given some or all of the following. When applying for help for an eviction, also be prepared with proof of income, immigration status, identification for all household members, and bring evidence of the crisis. There should also be a vacate notice or disconnect letter from the utility provider if relevant.
Any arrears can be paid using an ESG grant. The Family Resource Center in Solano County will often have information on which local non-profits have received money from the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The applicant will be referred to an application site.
If the eviction is being caused by unpaid rent, water, or electric bills, those expenses and more can be covered. The local ordinances in cities such as Vallejo, as well as most landlords of both private and public housing, will require the utilities to be on in the home. So if the power is in danger of being disconnected, Solano County programs can help with that need.
The Solano County Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) is normally funded each year. This may not only provide a homeless person with a hot meal, but FEMA money is also used to help with rent, provide hotel vouchers and assist with utilities in a crisis. The United Way uses EFSP for many reasons, one of which is to stop evictions from occurring.
Additional assistance for tenants in Solano County
Families living in poverty, or others that are receiving public aid such as immigrants or single moms, may receive eviction help from the statewide California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) program. This benefit does have a homeless assistance component.
Solano County rapid rehousing is used to assist anyone that is currently homeless. Or it can also help a renter that can now longer afford their current apartment as maybe their income or financial situation changed. There are also rehousing programs targeted at senior citizens, veterans, and the disabled in the community.
Organizations such as Catholic Social Service and the local government coordinate emergency shelters as well as free motel vouchers. This is immediate, short term relief to stabilize the homeless person. The shelter will also allow the client access to a meal, laundry site, and employment center.
After stabilization has occurred, there will be other assistance given to the prospective tenant. The staff from the Family Resource Center can direct the client to grants for deposits or moving costs. There are also law firms in Vallejo that can review a lease and provide advice to the renter. The resident will also be enrolled into multiple week counseling to help prevent any future evictions from their new home.
Homeless prevention for homeowners
With the cost of housing in Vallejo and across the county being extremely high, there are not only examples of families being evicted but also homeowners falling behind on their mortgage. Staff at the FRC can provide support services on this need as well.
Legal Services of Solano/Northern California provides foreclosure prevention services. Mediators from the office will meet with a lender to help them negotiate a less expensive mortgage, or maybe get a late fee reduced. If the home is no longer affordable, then they can go through the rehousing process as well.
Contact information
Tenants are homeowners that have an emergency can dial 800-273-6222. A multitude of eviction prevention as well as foreclosure programs are available.
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