Receive application assistance applying for emergency rental assistance, long-term housing programs like Section 8 Housing Vouchers, and access to transitional housing programs through organizations such as the Bill Wilson Center.
Please note/disclaimer: While we cannot guarantee funding, we will do our best to connect you to appropriate resources and services that may help with housing needs, including rent assistance and emergency housing options. Our goal is to ensure you have access to the support needed to maintain stable housing while pursuing your education.
Students can get support applying for the Housing Industry Foundation (HIF) Emergency Housing Fund. HIF’s housing fund offers a bridge between crisis and stability for low income households threatened with homelessness after unforeseen and temporary financial setbacks (including job loss, medical bills or a death in the family). Students residing in Santa Clara and San Mateo County are eligible for support through HIF. Students are eligible for upwards of $2,500 that can be used toward rent and utilities.
Please note that this is a once in a lifetime financial support.
The Chronicle Season of Sharing Fund helps Bay Area households striving to overcome unexpected challenges. Assistance is available for housing-related expenses, including rent or mortgage payments and first and last month’s deposits, as well as other critical needs like utility payments. Aid is provided in the form of direct payments to service providers, such as landlords or utility companies. The maximum amount of assistance that can be provided is $5,000. Housing Assistance cannot exceed $5,000.
Eligible groups include families with dependent children, individuals 55 and older, disabled individuals, veterans, individuals in their 2nd or 3rd trimester of pregnancy, survivors of intimate partner violence, and transitioning emancipated foster youth (ages 18-24). The fund is designed for short-term assistance, and applicants must provide proof that they will be able to cover their housing and living expenses in the months following the assistance. Our team is available to help students with the application process to access these vital resources.
LGARC recognizes that the Bay Area's housing crisis is displacing low-income residents and reducing racial and socioeconomic diversity. To combat this, LGARC launched its Rental Assistance Program in June 2023 to provide emergency financial aid to individuals and families facing eviction. The program offers up to $500 in one-time rental assistance to Santa Clara County residents experiencing financial hardship due to unemployment, rent increases, or unexpected expenses.
To apply, email antiracism.lg@gmail.com with a brief explanation of your situation. All applications are reviewed holistically, regardless of specific qualifications.
Students can access housing support through the Emergency Assistance Network (EAN) of Santa Clara County. The EAN provides essential services based on zip code to prevent homelessness and offer assistance during financial emergencies. Resources include rent and utility aid.
Safe parking programs provide secure, designated parking spaces for individuals and families experiencing homelessness who live in their vehicles. These programs, typically run by local governments, non-profit organizations, or universities, offer a temporary solution for those without stable housing. Participants receive access to safe, overnight parking, along with basic amenities such as restrooms, showers, and sometimes social services like case management, job counseling, or housing assistance. As part of our commitment to student well-being, we can connect students experiencing housing insecurity to local safe parking programs, ensuring they have a secure place to stay while receiving support for longer-term housing solutions.
In addition to safe parking programs, we can connect students experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity to local drop-in centers, such as Bill Wilson Center and LifeMoves. These centers provide essential day services, including access to showers, laundry facilities, meals, and internet, while also offering case management, mental health services, and housing navigation. Bill Wilson Center focuses on supporting youth and young adults, while LifeMoves serves a broader population, helping individuals and families find stable housing. By linking students to these resources, we aim to address their immediate needs and provide pathways to more permanent housing and support services.