Emergency Housing Fund – How To Apply

Emergency Housing Fund

Currently, HIF is not accepting Emergency Housing Fund applications. Applications will reopen soon. Please check back then to apply.

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How to Apply

HIF has well-established referral and collaborative relationships with partner agencies throughout Santa Clara and San Mateo counties. The case managers at these agencies are well-trained in how the EHF grant works and the application process. Please contact one of our partner agencies to apply.

If you have questions about our processes, or need help gathering documents to apply, we encourage you to work directly with an agency partner. The agency’s case manager will guide you through the process and act as your point of contact, and can even submit the required documents on your behalf.

As an emergency aid fund, we prioritize getting timely assistance to those at most risk of losing their housing. If your application is approved, HIF will pay your landlord or utility company directly.

While we accept direct community applications, we do encourage anyone interested in applying for EHF to reach out to their local agency for support.
EHF Client Stories

Common Questions

How can I check the status of my application?

Your case manager will be your main point of contact for updates. HIF does not provide any program services at our local office or over the phone. For more information, please email us at ehf@hifinfo.org

How will I know when I am approved?

If you are approved, we will contact your case manager. This email will include both the grant amount and the date the check was mailed to your landlord or utility company from our office.

Can I apply again if I was previously denied?

Yes, you can re-apply if your EHF grant was not approved because either your landlord or case manager was non-responsive.

You cannot re-apply if your EHF grant was not approved because your application did not meet the program requirements.

What are some common mistakes?

The most common mistakes applicants make are not including their ID and/or IDs for all household members, making a typo in an email address, and/or inaccurately completing the budget form.

Please be sure to include all of the required information and documentation requested in the application form because we cannot process incomplete or inaccurate applications.

Can you send a check directly to me? 

No, all payments are sent directly to your landlord or utility company.

For more information 

Please email us at ehf@hifinfo.org. HIF does not provide any program services at our local office.

4 Important steps in the process

Step 1: Confirm you qualify

  • Current resident in either Santa Clara or San Mateo county
  • Low-income family or individual who is at risk of losing their housing or are in the process of re-housing after a job loss, eviction, or medical emergency
  • Need help paying rent, security deposit, or utility bills
  • You have not previously received an Emergency Housing Fund grant

Step 2: Contact a partner agency to get a case manager

Step 3: Gather information for your application

IDENTIFICATION
You will need to provide IDs for everyone in your household. Only the IDs listed below are acceptable. Social Security cards are not an acceptable form of identification.
  • Birth or hospital certificate
  • School identification card
  • SNAP card
  • Drivers license
  • Passport or government-issued identification
CURRENT HOUSING
  • Lease agreement, including any Section 8 paperwork, or any Housing Vouchers in your name
  • Rent ledger or other documentation about past due rent
  • Documents related to housing costs you owe, including utility bills, pay or quit documents, etc.
  • Signed landlord payment plans
CURRENT INCOME
  • Employment verification—your pay stubs, for example
  • Income verification—all sources including EDD income
  • Bank statement
CURRENT SITUATION
  • Any documentation that helps explain the crisis you are experiencing
  • For example, a letter from your employer if you lost your job or unpaid hospital bills if you have them.

Step 4: Apply and look for our emails

We keep you updated via email and include your case manager if you have one.

As we review, approve/deny applications, we communicate our process, your application status, and decisions with your case manager.

  • If you submit an application on your own, the process takes between 2 and 3 weeks
    • The process takes between 1 and 2 weeks. This is a quicker turnaround because case managers know exactly what paperwork you need to submit and have access to your landlord’s W9.
    • If you are approved, HIF will contact your case manager and your landlord to let them know when the check is issued
    • Once approved, we send the payment directly to your landlord or utility company
    • If you are denied, your case manager will share other housing assistance options available to you.