COVID-19 Housing Resources
The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative is committed to ensuring that everyone has a safe, affordable place to call home—especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The current health crisis is exposing and exacerbating longstanding vulnerabilities and inequities in American society, including housing instability. Much needs to be done federally and at the state and local levels to address immediate needs and shape a more equitable future. Many of CZI’s partners and others in the field are working to do both, from supporting renters with financial and legal aid to exposing shortcomings in our system that we can begin to rectify through recovery.
Below are a variety of online resources to equip renters with the necessary tools and information to help prevent being evicted during the coronavirus disease pandemic. These resources include tools for policy makers, educators, and advocates looking to take action now.
Note: Please check directly with each organization for availability of funds as some funding may no longer be available.
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The following resources are designed to help renters in California and across the U.S. understand their rights and secure legal aid if needed during this unprecedented rental crisis.
State of California
The State of California launched the “Housing is Key” campaign aimed at connecting renters and landlords experiencing economic hardship due to COVID-19 with helpful information and resources. The site also updates renters and owners on new legislation passed to prevent evictions and help keep people housed. The campaign is led by the Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency (BCSH). Learn more on their new website about resources for tenants and owners.
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
Through the American Rescue Plan, billions of dollars in federal rental assistance has been allocated to reach renters behind on housing costs, as well as landlords who have struggled during the pandemic. These programs are run locally, and right now, emergency rental assistance is available across the country. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has developed a new tool that allows renters and landlords to find rental assistance programs in their area. Access the tool here.
Berkeley Law
Berkeley Law has developed an FAQ on tenants’ rights during the COVID-19 crisis.
Eviction Lab
Eviction Lab is a team of researchers, students, and website architects who believe that stable, affordable housing is central to human flourishing and economic mobility. They have developed policy scorecards for each state across the U.S. that outline the critical measures included in—and left out of—state-level pandemic responses related to eviction and housing. Learn more about current eviction protections where you live. Eviction Lab is also tracking eviction filings across the country—find out more here.
Just Shelter
Just Shelter amplifies the work of community organizations working to preserve affordable housing, prevent eviction, and reduce family homelessness. Find legal aid in your area.
KQED
KQED, a community-supported alternative to commercial media in Northern California, has developed a guide for renters. Learn more about actions you can take if you’re struggling to pay rent in California.
National Low Income Housing Coalition
The National Low Income Housing Coalition is dedicated to achieving socially just public policy that ensures people with the lowest incomes in the United States have affordable and decent homes. Find out if your building qualifies for Federal Eviction Moratorium.
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Interested in learning more about housing issues in California and other parts of the country? The links below are a great place to start.
California Housing Partnership
The California Housing Partnership published a report on the impact on how affordable housing providers face a potential $1.7 billion loss due to COVID-19.
Center for Neighborhood Knowledge
The Center for Neighborhood Knowledge conducts basic and applied research on the socioeconomic formation and internal dynamics of neighborhoods. Learn more about the COVID-19 economic crisis in L.A.
Eviction Lab
Eviction Lab is a team of researchers, students, and website architects who believe that stable, affordable housing is central to human flourishing and economic mobility. They have developed policy scorecards for each state across the U.S. that outline the critical measures included in—and left out of—state-level pandemic responses related to eviction and housing. Learn more about current eviction protections where you live. Eviction Lab is also tracking eviction filings across the country—find out more here.
Last Week Tonight
Last Week Tonight’s John Oliver discusses the long struggle with housing in the U.S., why it’s gotten worse in recent months, and how to prevent an escalating crisis.
Othering and Belonging Institute
The Othering and Belonging Institute has created a variety of maps and infographics that demonstrate how the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting different populations across the U.S.
Patriot Act
Patriot Act’s Hasan Minhaj investigates the underlying issues with housing in America as well as the impending eviction crisis many renters may be facing in months to come.
Politico
Politico created an interactive graph using data from the Urban Institute about pre-pandemic rent cost burdens and how COVID-19 has impacted America’s rental crisis.
San Francisco Chronicle
The San Francisco Chronicle, the largest newspaper in Northern California, reports on how COVID-19 has exacerbated the Bay Area’s severe homelessness crisis. Learn more about the impact of COVID-19 on homelessness.
Terner Center for Housing Innovation
The Terner Center for Housing Innovation (UC Berkeley) leverages applied research and best practices to inform and advance innovation in the planning, financing, design, and development of the built environment. Learn more about COVID-19’s estimated near-term impact on renters.
Urban Institute
The Urban Institute is a leading research organization dedicated to developing evidence-based insights that improve people’s lives and strengthen communities. Learn more about the assistance needed to support renters through the COVID-19 crisis.
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Hundreds of organizations across the country need help mitigating the impact of COVID-19. View the resources below to find ways to get involved.
Healthy LA
Healthy LA is a network of more than 325 advocacy organizations uniting to propose concrete solutions to the hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn how you can take action.
Leadership Council
The Leadership Council works alongside the most impacted communities to secure equal access to opportunity regardless of wealth, race, income, and place. Learn more and take action here.
National League of Cities
The National League of Cities local action tracker, created in partnership with Bloomberg Philanthropies, collects and shares actions taken by local leaders in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
National Low Income Housing Coalition
The National Low Income Housing Coalition is dedicated solely to achieving socially just public policy that ensures people with the lowest incomes in the United States have affordable and decent homes. Learn how you can take action.
PolicyLink
PolicyLink along with partners are advocating for broad-based movement for an equitable response to COVID-19. See their congressional demands and learn more here.
San Francisco Chronicle
The San Francisco Chronicle’s SF Homeless Project provides a directory of nonprofit groups in the Bay Area that need volunteer help or donations of specific items.
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Are you a California resident who needs immediate pandemic housing assistance? Help is available through the organizations and rent programs listed below.
California Community Foundation Response Fund
The California Community Foundation Response Fund for L.A. County residents will support community needs identified by our partners in health, housing, education, and immigration. Learn more about their fund here.
California United Ways
California United Ways have established a statewide relief fund to help Californians impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Money raised will help families impacted by quarantine, disruption of income, and other challenges, while ensuring the equitable distribution of philanthropic resources through coordinated community relief efforts.
Catholic Charities and Silicon Valley Community Foundation (SVCF)
Catholic Charities and Silicon Valley Community Foundation (SVCF) are distributing funds collected through their SVCF COVID-19 Regional Response Fund to qualifying San Franciscans struggling to make ends meet as a result of COVID-19.
Central Valley Community Foundation
The Central Valley Community Foundation is offering funding for small business, food and housing security, and general financial stability. Learn more about their fund here.
City of Los Angeles Housing
The City of Los Angeles Housing’s emergency renters assistance program provides a temporary rent subsidy for eligible residential tenants in the City of Los Angeles who are unable to pay rent due to circumstances related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The subsidy will provide a grant of up to $1,000 per month to cover the monthly rent (based on the rent paid as of March 1, 2020), with a maximum of $2,000 per household.
Community Foundation of San Joaquin
The Community Foundation of San Joaquin Emergency Response Fund is a flexible fund intended to provide financial assistance to the individuals and families most directly impacted by COVID-19.
East Bay Housing Organizations
East Bay Housing Organizations is building a movement to ensure everyone has a safe, healthy, and affordable place to call home. Learn more about emergency rent relief in the East Bay.
Philanthropy California
Philanthropy California is coordinating with state agencies and partners to respond to the threat and potential impacts of COVID-19. The team has vetted and regularly updates a list of response funds to help you direct resources to the most vulnerable communities.
Sacred Heart Community Service
Sacred Heart Community Service provides essential services to Santa Clara County individuals and families in need. Additional funding is now available through the COVID-19 Financial Assistance Program.
San Francisco County
San Francisco County is providing support for rent, utilities, or other housing costs for people impacted by COVID-19. Find out more and apply here.
Sonoma County
Sonoma County is offering relief funding for undocumented residents impacted from COVID-19 disperesed by UndocuFund. Learn more here.