Emergency Housing Grants

HIF is not welfare – the recipient must demonstrate his or her ability to meet future expenses. We are the Bay Area’s “hidden angel,” offering a lifeline after unforeseen but temporary financial setbacks such as medical bills, job loss or death in the family.

HIF collaborates with a network of partner agencies that provide the casework for our emergency housing grants of up to $1,000 benefiting low-income households threatened with homelessness. Grants are funded within 24 hours of request and may be used for rent, mortgage, security deposit or utilities. Requests must be due to an unforeseen emergency and clients must demonstrate their ability to meet future expenses. Last year, HIF made 298 grants totaling $256K helping 420 adults and 449 children avoid homelessness.

A veteran who has been homeless hopes to train for something in the trades when he recovers from his back injuries.  With HIF’s deposit contribution he was able to move into suitable housing and work towards his future employment goals.

The father of two was unable to work for two weeks after his son was hit by a car and placed in intensive care at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital.  His wife is in school, and is looking for employment.  HIF helped this family through their hardship with a grant of $680 towards their rent.  The father is back at work.

A family with a new baby has been staying at a temporary housing shelter.  The father is a disabled veteran, and the mother has recently started a part-time job.  With deposit assistance from HIF of $700, they were able to move from temporary housing into their first apartment as a family.

The mother of three with a baby on the way works in the retail industry, on commission.  Having suffered from severe morning sickness, her income dropped drastically.  HIF stepped in with $925 in rent assistance, and along with assistance from Sacred Heart she is on her feet again and back to her regular work schedule.

A single mother of a four-year-old son works as a medical assistant and office manager. The doctor’s practice was sold and she was laid off, but expects to be re-hired after the transition. In the interim, she has applied for unemployment benfits, but it will take up to four weeks to for benefits to begin. She has lived in the apartment for four years and has never been unable to pay her rent before. She is also enrolled in a scholarship program through HIP Housing, so that she can pursue her educational goals.