Ventura County Eviction as well as Homeless Prevention and Re-Housing.
There are two main programs in Ventura County that can be used to stop an eviction or help a family move into a new home. These are run by the government and come with various restrictions. Rent assistance and other housing support can be provided by the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program, or HPRP. Another option is the ESG - Emergency Solutions Grant.
Both of these resources combine funds for paying certain housing costs (as indicated below) along with case management to try to prevent a recurrence. Even if a resident of Ventura does not qualify for support, then other solutions may be available ranging from shelter and much more.
ESG - Emergency Solutions Grants are part of a service known as Rapid Re-Housing and Homeless Prevention. This federal government funded program is meant to help tenants in Ventura County avoid homelessness.
- -Homeless Prevention services are available to individuals at risk of eviction. This can provide financial aid for rent, storage costs, or legal aid.
- -The Ventura County Rapid Re-Housing program helps a homeless family or homeless individual move as quickly as possible into a new, affordable home or apartment and also keep them housed. There may be funds for a security or utility deposit. Other grants can pay for moving expenses.
Rehousing is for individuals without a home to live in. Maybe they are currently sleeping in a public place such as a train station, building or park as they can't afford the rent on their own home. Or many clients of Ventura County non-profits are in transitional housing and are seeking the funds to pay the deposit on their own property. Other applicants to the Emergency Solution Grants may be women or children who are leaving a domestic violence situation and have no other friends, family, and relatives to turn to for support.
The applicant does need to have the ability to sustain the housing in the future. So they need some source of income (from a job or maybe benefits) for future rental as well as energy bill expenses. Also, case managers will work with the tenant to to create a service plan for them. It will touch upon everything from credit counseling to legal support.
In order to apply for Homelessness Prevention & Rapid Re-Housing, the income limits need to be met. The applicant also needs to be facing eviction with a few weeks or currently be homeless. Proof of income, budgets, expenses, residency, and much more is also required by the county when someone is applying.
Cash grants from HPRP will also require the family to go through an assessment process. Case managers will work with the family for several months to ensure that a possible eviction is prevented again in the future. They will also explore government benefits programs, section 8 or other funds for rent from ESG.
The income limits are very low. As an example, a family of 3 may max out at $40,000 or so. For more information on Homelessness Prevention & Rapid Re-Housing, call (805) 385-8585.
Additional services in Ventura County
The resources below are not part of the formal homeless prevention program. However the county can often refer residents referrals to these and more.
Housing Counseling assists the homeless and those at risk of becoming so. Whether the applicant rents or owns their home, there may be assistance available. There are various ways that a qualified family may be able to get help, as noted below.
- Rental assistance in the form of a cash grant when funding is available. There is also Tenant-Landlord Advocacy or mediation.
- Mortgage help including foreclosure counseling or referrals to government programs.
- Case Management is available from Ventura County non-profits as part of the counseling or Budgeting Classes. There is also support from the HPRP program.
- Utility Bill Assistance for heating, water, and gas costs.
Transitional housing in Ventura County provides a stable home for formerly homeless families as they work to achieve self-sufficiency. There are locations for veterans, single parents, and victims of domestic abuse among others. The number of accommodations is limited and is located across southern California.
- Eligible families can live in the housing for up to 12 months.
- The tenant will need to make rent contributions are determined by family income.
- During their stay in the transitional housing units, clients must stabilize their finances, find and keep employment, and secure permanent housing. They then may be able to apply for a grant as part of Rapid Re-Housing (HPRP).
- Furthermore, local agencies as well as Ventura County social service offices help clients develop the skills needed for self-sufficiency.
Contact information for homeless prevention in Ventura County
The Continuum of Care works with local charities, non-profits and government agencies. A number of housing as well as eviction prevention programs are offered. Call 805-626-0363 or (805) 385-8585.
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