New resource aims to protect the most vulnerable from eviction

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O llame (805) 574-1638. 5CHC se ofrece asistencia sin tarifas.

5Cities Homeless Coalition can help!

5CHC is offering assistance at no charge. Whether you are a tenant or a landlord, you may make an appointment to "meet" by phone, zoom, or in person (with social distancing and mask required) to help answer questions and assist you in determining your eligibility. Call 805-574-1638 x 119 or email [email protected]. 5CHC is currently offering appointments Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Special accommodation can be arranged for those who need assistance but are unable to leave their home.

Program Highlights

• Free financial assistance is available to landlords and renters who need help with unpaid or future rent or utilities.
• Landlords and renters are both encouraged to apply.
• Income-eligible applicants may qualify regardless of immigration status and will not be required to show proof of citizenship.
• Assistance from the CA COVID-19 Rent Relief program does NOT count as earned income (for renters) and will NOT affect eligibility for any other state benefit assistance programs, such as CalFresh or CalWORKS.
• All applicant information is kept private and will not be shared.
• Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis. Priority assistance will be given to income eligible households most at-risk of eviction.
• Once an application has been successfully processed, both the landlord and renter will be notified of next steps.

Who Can Apply?

Landlords who have income-eligible renters experiencing a financial hardship due to COVID-19 with past due rent.

Renters who have experienced a financial hardship due to COVID-19, have past due rent or utilities, and have a household income that is not more than 80% of the area median income.

What's Covered?

Unpaid Rent:

Landlords who participate in the CA COVID-19 Rent Relief program can get reimbursed for 100% of an eligible renter’s unpaid rent dating back to April 1, 2020.

Eligible renters whose landlords choose not to participate in the program may apply on their own and receive assistance for unpaid rent dating back to April 1, 2020.

Upcoming Rent:

Eligible renters can receive financial assistance for their upcoming monthly rent, too.

Utility Assistance: Unpaid or Upcoming

Eligible renters may also receive assistance for unpaid utility payments dating back to April 1, 2020, or for future utility payments, which will both be compensated at 100% of cost, limited to a total of 12 months, and paid directly to the utility provider.

Program Details

Renters: If you have been impacted by COVID-19, are income eligible (the state will calculate this when you apply) and have unpaid rent or utilities, or need help with future rent or utilities, you may apply for the CA COVID-19 Rent Relief program.

Landlords: If you have renters who are behind on their rent and need financial assistance to support this income loss, you may apply for the CA COVID-19 Rent Relief program, so long as:

• Your renter’s household is income eligible (the state will calculate this when they apply).
• All payments you receive must be used to satisfy the renter’s unpaid rent. Eligible timeframe for financial assistance dates back to April 1, 2020.
• Your renter/s must take steps to verify that they meet eligibility requirements and sign the application. They will be notified once your application submitted and asked to submit their required information.
• Income-eligible applicants may qualify regardless of immigration status and will not be required to show proof of citizenship.