About the EHF
HIF’s Emergency Housing Fund offers a lifeline after unforeseen and temporary financial setbacks, acting as a bridge between crisis and stability for people living in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. An unstable housing situation can arise
from any number of unexpected circumstances, such as medical bills, job loss, or a death in the family.
HIF collaborates with a network of partner agencies that provide initial screening and supportive services for those that demonstrate need and ability to utilize our emergency housing grants for sustained stability leveraging up to $2,500 in support benefiting households threatened with homelessness. In 2024, HIF granted over $932,500 in assistance to help prevent more than 560 families in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties from experiencing homelessness.
For Clients
HIF’s Emergency Housing Fund (EHF) provides one-time emergency financial assistance to help cover back rent, security deposits, and utility costs for residents of San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties in California. If you’re at risk of losing your housing, a grant from HIF may be able to help.
To apply, you’ll need to connect with a case manager at one of our partner agencies. These case managers are specially trained in the HIF application process. If you have questions or need help gathering documents, the case manager will act as your main point of contact. They’ll guide you through the application process and submit your completed application on your behalf.
HIF’s priority is to provide fast assistance to those facing an urgent need. If your application is approved, payments will be made directly to your landlord or utility company.
What documents do I need to provide to my case manager?
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 (for Minors)
- School identification card (for Minors)
- Drivers license/ID card (Adults)
- Passport or government-issued identification with photo (Adults)
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.
Current Income
- Employment verification—your pay stubs, for example
- Income verification—all sources including EDD income
- Current 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.
EHF Program Requirements
- You must reside in either Santa Clara or San Mateo county in California
- You are a 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
- You need help paying rent, security deposit or utility bills (PG&E, water/garbage)
- You have not previously received an Emergency Housing Fund grant
To find a case manager:
If you live in California and in either Santa Clara or San Mateo County, you can also check out the following links of core service agencies:
Santa Clara County Core Services Agencies
Here4You Hotline
havensafe
San Mateo County Core Service Agencies
You can also try reaching out to 211.org or findhelp.org for more resources.
For more information:
Please email us at ehf@hifinfo.org. HIF does not provide any program services at our local office.
For Case Managers
Case Manager Overview
HIF Emergency Housing Fund (EHF) offers critical one-time financial assistance for residents of San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties in California who are at immediate risk of losing their housing. Our fund helps cover back rent, security deposits, and utility costs, prioritizing swift support to keep individuals and families safely housed.
HIF collaborates closely with partner agencies throughout Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties. Applications are submitted by trained case managers, who act as intermediaries on behalf of their clients. In order to submit an application, case managers must first complete HIF’s Emergency Housing Fund Process training, ensuring they understand the application requirements and can effectively guide clients.
For more information
Please email us at ehf@hifinfo.org. HIF does not provide any program services at our local office.
Click here to sign up for our EHF training session.
In this process, the case manager serves as the primary contact, answering client questions, collecting necessary documentation, and supporting the application from start to finish.
If an application is approved, HIF issues payment directly to the client’s landlord or utility provider, providing fast and reliable assistance to stabilize housing.
FAQs
Clients
What do HIF EHF grants cover?
HIF can assist with emergency financial assistance towards rent, security deposit and/or utilities for residents in San Mateo or Santa Clara Counties in California.
How can I apply for a grant?
To apply, you’ll need to connect with a case manager at one of our partner agencies. These case managers are specially trained in the HIF application process and are to assist you every step of the way.
If you have questions or need help gathering documents, the case manager will act as your main point of contact. They’ll guide you through the application process and submit your completed application on your behalf.
HIF’s priority is to provide fast assistance to those facing an urgent need. If your application is approved, payments will be made directly to your landlord or utility company.
What is the criteria to qualify for a grant?
- You must reside in either Santa Clara or San Mateo county in California
- You are a Low-income family or individual who is at risk of losing their housing or are in the processing of re-housing after a job loss, eviction or medical emergency
- You need help paying rent, security deposit or utility bills (PG&E, Water/Garbage)
- You have not previously received an Emergency Housing Fund grant
How do I find a case manager?
If you live in California and in either Santa Clara or San Mateo County, click on one of the links below to find the agency for your area.
Santa Clara County Core Services Agencies or Here4You Hotline or havensafe
San Mateo County Core Service Agencies
Or you can also try reaching out to https://www.211.org/ or findhelp.org to find more resources.
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.
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, your case manager can re-apply for you if your EHF grant was not approved because either your landlord or case manager was non-responsive. However, you cannot re-apply if your EHF grant was not approved because your application did not meet the program requirements.
What documents do I need to provide to my case manager?
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 (for Minors)
- School identification card (for Minors)
- Drivers license (Adults)
- Passport or government-issued identification (Adults)
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.
What happens after my application is submitted?
- The application review process can take between 1 and 2 weeks. Sometimes faster if you provide all the required documentation to your case manager.
- If you are approved, HIF will contact your case manager directly to let them know when the check will be 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.
Can you send a check directly to me?
No, all payments are sent directly to your landlord or utility company.
Case Managers
How can I sign up for EHF process Training?
Click here to sign up for our EHF training session.
How can I check the status of my client’s application?
Please reach out to jennifer@hifinfo.org for the status of your client’s application.
Can my client contact HIF directly for updates regarding their application?
No, we only work directly with case managers. Please do not have your client contact us directly.
How long does the application approval process take?
The approval process can take between 1 to 14 days. It really depends on how complete the application is with documentation and explanation of your client’s crisis.
How will I know when my client is approved?
If your client’s application is approved, you will receive an email stating your client has been “Pre-Approved”. Once the check has been processed, you will receive another email stating that the check has been mailed out to either the property or utility company.
Can I apply again for my client if they were previously denied?
Yes, you can re-apply for your client if their application was previously denied. However please reach out to jennifer@hifinfo.org to discuss your client’s situation before re-applying.
What are some common mistakes made when filling out the application?
The most common mistakes are not including the client’s ID and/or IDs for all household members, or not including a current W-9, making a typo in an email address, and/or inaccurately completing the budget form. 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 the check be sent directly to the client?
No, all payments are sent directly to your landlord or utility company.
Can I come and pick up the check in person?
Yes, as the case manager, you or a representative from your agency can come and pick up the check. We can not, however, release the check to the client or landlord. If you wish to pick up the check, please contact jennifer@hifinfo.org to make the necessary arrangements.
Who can I contact for more information?
Please email us at ehf@hifinfo.org. HIF does not provide any program services at our local office.
Featured Stories
Nora and Betty’s Story
In late August 2024, Nora, a devoted mother, received the heartbreaking news that she had cancer. As she began her treatment and applied for disability benefits, the financial strain on her family grew. Unfortunately, the approval process for disability has been slow, leaving her daughter, Betty, to shoulder the entire financial burden. With mounting bills and rent payments falling behind, their family faced the very real possibility of eviction.
Sammie’s Story
After being unhoused for 25 years, Sammie secured housing through the Office of Supportive Housing in the summer of 2022 and set up automatic rent payments for convenience. For a year, everything went smoothly. In the summer of 2023, Sammie faced mental health challenges, leading to isolation and difficulties in maintaining housing. Sammie later discovered his rent payments had stopped and he owed over $1,500 in past-due rent.
Juan’s Story
Juan’s life took an unexpected turn last year when he suffered a heart attack. The road to recovery was challenging, as he faced mounting medical bills while waiting for his disability insurance to be approved. Despite his determination to return to work, both his doctor and employer advised against it due to his ongoing health concerns. Eventually, his employer had to make the difficult decision to let him go. Juan’s financial situation became dire.
Support During A Challenging Time
Voltaire experienced significant financial challenges due to job loss, a rent increase, and the rising cost of living, making it difficult for him to meet his basic needs. Through a referral from Alta Housing, he was able to receive a grant from HIF, which served as a vital lifeline. This support provided him with the financial relief and breathing room he needed to focus on finding full-time employment and regaining stability.