California is a state that consistently rates at the top of the list for having some of the most expensive housing in the country. It is a state where the cost of living is high and many people struggle to make ends meet. With rent being so high, there are people who experience financial difficulties and need help to make ends meet. There are numerous programs that offer housing assistance for ex-felons in California, and they may be exactly what someone needs in order to ensure their housing needs are being met.
The agencies and organizations that provide housing assistance for ex-felons in California are largely made possible by the federal and state government. There are also non-profit organizations that have programs in place to help people in the community. Most of the programs provide the services to those who have a low income and are a citizen of the country, or are a legal non-citizen.
The financial assistance you receive from the programs below never has to be paid back. It is not considered a loan, so there is no repaying the funds back to the agency or organization. The funds are considered a gift to help people in the communities throughout California. Apply for as many of the programs as you feel you qualify for, because there is no limit to how many you can receive help through.
Programs Offering Housing Assistance for Ex-Felons in California
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – This is a government agency that is in charge of housing assistance around the country. It’s the largest agency of its kind and has a mission of preventing homelessness in California and beyond. HUD in California has several programs providing housing assistance for ex-felons. The programs they offer include helping to locate affordable housing options, paying rent, avoiding foreclosure, and making necessary home repairs. They will also help you reduce your monthly utility bills by paying for weatherization services, which will make your home more energy efficient. HUD also has a program called Section 8, which allows people to stay for free in government owned housing units. To qualify, you have to have a low income and be a citizen or legal non-citizen of the country. To get more information about the programs offered through HUD, click here.
California Department of Housing and Community Development – This agency is run through the state government. They have programs in place to help people with housing assistance throughout the state. They offer grants, funding, and more. Their programs provide housing assistance for ex-felons in California, as well as others who meet the qualifications for the programs. To qualify, you have to have a low income and be a resident of the state. Some of the programs they offer include providing the funding to rehabilitate a building, supporting shelters in the state, and ensuring that people have access to affordable housing in the state. They can also offer referrals to help people find the type of financial help they need for their particular situation. To get more information, click here.
ousing Authority of the City of Los Angeles – This organization focuses on helping people with housing issues in the greater Los Angeles area, where there are over 12 million residents. They can help with finding affordable housing, public housing options, Section 8 programs, and more. They can provide free housing assistance for ex-felons. In California, there are many people who need to take advantage of programs offered through places like this, because the cost of living is so high. The Los Angeles area is one of the most expensive areas to live in, making this a great organization to turn to for help finding an affordable option, or to get help paying the rent, utility bills, etc. To get more information about the programs, click here.
California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation – This state run agency offers help and housing assistance for ex-felons in California. Their programs focus on helping those who have spent time being incarcerated. They will help with short and long term housing, as well as other helpful services. Their programs are intended to help ex-felons and provide them with the services they need when transitioning back into the community. If you have been incarcerated for your felony conviction, you may be able to get housing assistance through this agency. To get more information, click here.
Step Up – This is an organization that focuses on providing housing assistance for ex-felons in California. Their goal is to provide help that leads to stability, inclusion, and recovery. They also offer comprehensive case management services, which will help people achieve long term goals and become more self sufficient. Their goal is to provide community-based permanent supportive housing services and to help people avoid homelessness. To get more information about the Step Up program in California, click here.
211A – This is an organization that provides transitional housing for ex-felons. The length of time that they offer is 90 days and there are no geographical restrictions for the program. Any ex-felons who live in the state can get assistance through this organization. To get more information, click here.
In addition to these programs, be sure to reach out to your local churches and non-profit organizations. Many of them offer programs that will help people with housing issues, including paying rent and locating affordable housing options. They will also help to pay for things like utility bills, make necessary repairs, and to provide weatherization services to help lower monthly utility bills.
It is also a good idea to contact your local city housing authority to see if they have options that can help. Many housing authority offices either have programs they can offer to you that will provide you with affordable housing or will help you pay your rent, or they can refer you to programs in your area that they know about that will help you. The more programs you contact in your area, the better your chances will be of getting the help you need.
