Homeless in San Bernardino & would like to apply for any loan

(Request from Leticia in San Bernardino, California) I would like to apply for any loan I qualify for. I am homeless. I have 2 children ages 9 and 5. My husband works. I collect welfare and disability but all of our money goes to the hotel because they’re so expensive I can’t keep my family on the streets everyday.

Dear Leticia,

A loan is fine for some situations, but this is one situation where I would not advise that option. Let’s look at some non-loan options as it is unlikely that a loan would benefit your situation.

The fact that you are currently homeless should allow you entry to emergency shelter. I realize that the thought of living in a traditional homeless shelter can be frightening, but you are actually making matters worse by spending such high amounts of your family’s limited income on a hotel room. This is not sustainable.

An emergency shelter can allow for you to gain access to social programs, including skills training and money management classes that can help improve your family’s living situation. It can also help you to gain access to transitional housing opportunities that are only available to current residents.

CAP San Bernardino County

One program in particular that I would recommend taking a look at is the Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County. This county agency takes a completely different approach.

Instead of paying out of pocket for your hotel stay, CAP San Bernardino could provide you with vouchers for a few nights. This is certainly better than the regular homeless shelter. Their goal is to quickly stabilize your housing situation and assist you with placement into a transitional housing program. Ultimately you can be guided into a permanently affordable residence.

Permanent Housing

One of the ultimate destinations could be a reduced rent apartment. This can be preferred to a public housing project.

Additionally, you may be screened for possible benefits under the federal Section 8 program. This allows for you to receive vouchers that could be used to pay a portion of your monthly rent. I imagine that you are currently paying more than 30-40% of your total household income on housing. This could change if you are eventually accepted into a program.

Housing Authority of the County of San Bernardino

The Housing Authority of the County of San Bernardino is the administrator of the local section 8 program. Both types of Section 8 programs are maintained by the agency.

First, you could gain access to a specialized housing project that is restricted to families with children. This makes sure that you are only near other families in a similar situation.

Second, the agency does participate in the Housing Choice Voucher program. This allows you to utilize a voucher to pay a portion of your rent from a private landlord.

To apply for housing benefits with the county, call the housing authority at 909-890-9533.