This week, the cities of Emeryville, Hayward and Oakland launched rental assistance programs for tenants impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.
Income-eligible renters may apply for a one-time grant that is paid directly to their property manager or rental property owner. The grant amount varies depending on where the applicant lives, their household income and the size of their rental unit.
These two initiatives are based on the Keep Oakland Housed pilot program, which over two years has kept thousands of Oakland community members in their homes. On average, BACS found it takes less than $2,500 to prevent someone from losing their housing, and preserve that unit of affordable housing – preventing displacement, gentrification, and significant long-term costs to the individual and the system in trying to address their homelessness.
The programs are administered by Bay Area Community Services. More information and an online application system is here.
