I am needing emergency assistance in rent payments in El Cajon, CA

(Melissa from El Cajon, California) Message: I am needing emergency assistance in rent payments. My boyfriend lost his job and we are behind two months worth of rent and have received a 3 day pay or quit notice. I dont know what to do I am working and trying to provide for my kids and I do not want to be evicted and have no place for my children to call home. please help me. I have terrible credit and have tried getting loans which all have been denied.

Hi Melissa,

There are a few resources that may be helpful for your family. It appears that your need is urgent, so some of these may be more beneficial options for you than others. Still, I want to list a few resources so that you have the rental assistance you need both now and later until your boyfriend is able to find a new job.

The City of El Cajon does not actually have an internal rental assistance program. This is instead contracted out to the Housing Authority of the County of San Diego.

Housing Authority of the County of San Diego

The Housing Authority of the County of San Diego operates a rent subsidy program to lower income tenants who need long-term assistance with rent payments. It is basically a rent subsidy that is paid to your landlord. You are responsible for a portion of your rent that is approximately 30% of your monthly gross household income.

This  is not a housing project. Known as housing choice vouchers, these tickets give you the option to live just about anywhere as long as the rental property meets program guidelines for safety, cleanliness and rental rates. There are traditional public housing units also available, but the waiting list could take years. This is a local administrator of federal Section 8 funds, so there are substantial eligibility requirements and a lengthy waiting list. This is not a realistic option for a household dealing with an emergency rent situation.

The Housing Authority of the County of San Diego does not have any emergency rental assistance programs currently. Call 858-694-4831 if you would like a referral to another agency who may be on their list.

If anyone in the household is a veteran, then the Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) program could provide some rental assistance. To qualify, you must have received an honorable discharge and either be homeless or at risk of homelessness. Having received a Three Day Pay or Quit Notice would likely meet that requirement.

Volunteers of America Luhman Center for Supportive Living

The Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program operated by Volunteers of America Luhman Center for Supportive Living might be a much better option for emergency rent and housing needs. This program is ready to provide immediate emergency assistance to families in crisis who are at risk of homelessness.

For immediate emergencies, you may be eligible to receive motel vouchers. While not ideal, it does keep your family off the streets at least for the present while you make plans for the future. This assumes that you have already been evicted from your previous residence.

There may be a potential to for the agency to provide back rent payments to your landlord to prevent the eviction. Sometimes even utility bills can be covered to prevent a disconnection.

The program is geared towards families who can normally afford to pay their own rent, but recently fell into a difficult situation due to a financial crisis. Your boyfriend’s job loss would certainly meet the definition of a qualifying event. It has clearly caused a hardship, so this may be the best bet. Call 619-447-2428 to speak with a case manager right away.

Catholic Charities

Catholic Charities may be able to help with emergency rent. Assistance may include a referral to a partner organization. Call 619-231-2828 for their Emergency Assistance Program.

South Bay Community Services

South Bay Community Services can sometimes assist with delinquent rent payments if they believe that it will help you avoid eviction. They need to see that income would be restored soon. There may also be assistance available to help you move into a new rental unit, including first month’s rent and/or security deposit. Call 619-691-5135 for the Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program.

City of San Diego Security Deposit Guarantee Program

The San Diego Labor Council and Department of Labor Participation have partnered with the United Way of San Diego County to ensure that security deposit assistance is provided to certain residents who need help transitioning from one apartment to another. The program does require that you can afford your rent, and then they can help you out with funds for your security deposit. If you do not currently have the income to support regular rent payments, then this program may not be the most appropriate.

For more information or to ask about funding, call 619-641-0074.

Hopefully one of these resources will provide you with the assistance that you need. Some may be more helpful now while others could help you finally get control through a more affordable rent situation.