Homelessness Assistance Programs

Housing & Homelessness Assistance Programs

If you’re having difficulty finding affordable housing, meeting housing expenses, or experiencing homelessness, you’re not alone. Many people in the Wine Country and across the nation struggle to find affordable, safe, and reliable housing. 

Call 2-1-1 for immediate assistance or click on the resources below to find rental assistance, emergency housing for homeless individuals, and more. All of the information provided is confidential, free of charge, and available 24/7 in multiple languages. 

211 Sonoma County

Housing Expenses Assistance

The following programs assist with housing-related expenses, including rent, mortgage, rental deposits, energy-efficient upgrades, maintenance and repair costs, and improving accessibility and independence for seniors and people with disabilities. Be sure to check the eligibility requirements to see which programs would be the best fit for you. 

Emergency Services & Housing for Homeless Individuals & Families

One of the first steps to take to access resources from homelessness assistance programs is to enter your information in the Coordinated Entry System (CES). This is a streamlined system that offers a “no wrong door” approach for individuals and families to access permanent housing, shelters, and other resources. Contact CES Monday-Friday from 9 am to 5 pm at 1-866-542-5480 or visit one of their drop-in centers. 

Other resources include:

Affordable Housing

There are two key programs for affordable housing: The Housing Choice Voucher/Section 8 program and Low-Rent Public Housing. 

The Housing Choice Voucher Program allows qualifying individuals and families to choose their own rental unit from a private landlord using a voucher; the local housing authority then pays the landlord part of the ongoing rental costs. 

The Low-Rent Public Housing Program allows individuals and families to live in complexes that are owned and operated by the local housing authority at a rental rate that’s 30% of the household’s income. 

If you’re interested in applying for either of these options, the first step is to get on the wait list for the programs you’re eligible for. 

Most housing authorities in Sonoma County are not currently accepting applications for the Housing Choice Voucher Program and the wait list is closed. However, Housing Choice wait lists open periodically, so it’s important to keep an eye out and submit an application to be placed on the wait list when the opportunity arises.

Affordable housing options are also available through nonprofit organizations:

Landlord/Tenant Assistance

Find resources for tenant and landlord rights, how to resolve issues, and answers to common rental questions: 

Dial 2-1-1 or text your zip code to 898-211 for more help.