About to be evicted in San Bernardino, CA

(Request from Kimberly in San Bernardino, California) My uncle is kicking me and my two sons out on the street when he knows i have no place to go. One of my boys is autistic and hates any sudden change in his daily routine and im on a limited income due to my husband of 12 years up and left me with out a word. Im not in very good health and im not supposed to get over excited or stressed out because my heart is enlarged and i recently had a mild stroke all i have is my boys and im so confused plz help me.

Dear Kimberly,

The essential facts are that you are in imminent danger of being homeless and you have a special needs child. Furthermore, you are being faced with the added burden of being the sole provider for your children while dealing with health problems. This is certainly a lot to have to handle at once. The good news is that these circumstances will improve your chances for receiving assistance with rent and living costs.

Most rental assistance agencies restrict benefits only to those households who qualify as very low income. Households with a member of the family that has any type of special needs or disability can also receive favorable treatment. Single mothers can usually step to the front of the line. Here are a couple of highly recommended options for you to consider as you plan your move out of your uncle’s home.

Inland Fair Housing and Mediation Board

The Inland Fair Housing and Mediation Board (IFHMD) often intervenes in situations where San Bernardino tenants are threatened with an eviction by their landlord. Mediation is possible even if a family member is the landlord.

What may be more important though is that it seems that moving out of your uncle’s home and into a permanent home for your family may be a more favorable long-term solution. IFHMD can help you with making this transition. They can provide you with the proper recommendations and referrals to ensure that you are able to get into a program that can help you move on. Call 800-321-0911 for more information.

Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County

The Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County (CAPSBC) may be an even better option. If you are kicked out, they may be able to provide you with emergency motel vouchers to provide your family with private shelter for up to a week while you sort things out.

While you are working with an assigned case manager, they will look at what types of subsidized rent opportunities that you might qualify for. One option is for a security deposit grant to help you get moved into a new apartment.

Due to the fact that you may be unable to afford rent for the foreseeable future, then you may be recommended for a transitional housing option. This could allow you the opportunity to live either rent-free or at an extremely low rental rate while you seek permanent housing. You can even benefit from referrals for employment training classes while you are working to increase your household income.

Call 909-723-1560 for more information about CAPSBC programs.

One a personal note, your husband almost certainly owes you child support. Your case manager can help you file for child support through the appropriate agency.

Skip the bad credit loans. You should take advantage of the benefits that you qualify for, since you are the exact type of situation that agencies plan for when they begin allocating benefits. You can move on with the help of the eviction prevention and transitional housing programs that serve those in danger of being evicted in San Bernardino.