Facing eviction or losing housing
What to do first
- Do not ignore court papers. Answer by the date on them and go to your hearing.
- Call 211 or your state's rent help program right away.
- Get free legal help. A lawyer can tell you your rights.
- Talk to your landlord about a payment plan, and get it in writing.
- If you have nowhere to stay tonight, call 211 for shelter.
Talk it through
Tell us more about what happened. We answer first, then show the programs that fit, then ask a few questions to narrow it down.
Help from California
California programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
California Department of Housing and Community Development
Housing and Rental Assistance Programs
HCD funds housing programs that help eligible residents access affordable housing and rental support.
Ways to apply:PhonePaperIn person
California Department of Social Services and California Department of Housing and Community Development
CalWORKs Homeless Assistance
Also: Homelessness Programs
CalWORKs Homeless Assistance can help eligible CalWORKs families who are experiencing homelessness.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
California Department of Community Services and Development
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
LIHEAP helps eligible households with home energy costs and energy emergencies.
Ways to apply:PhonePaperIn person
California Department of Social Services
CalFresh
In California, SNAP is called CalFresh.
CalFresh helps eligible households buy food each month.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
California Department of Social Services
CalWORKs
In California, TANF is called CalWORKs.
CalWORKs provides cash assistance and services to eligible families with children.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
California Department of Social Services
County General Assistance
County General Assistance provides temporary cash aid to eligible adults who have little or no income.
Ways to apply:PhonePaperIn person
Checked on October 8, 2026
Federal help
These work the same in every state. Each agency decides who qualifies.
LSC.gov
Free legal help
Legal aid offices give free legal help to people with low income. Find the one that serves you with the Legal Services Corporation's search.
HUD.gov
A housing counselor
HUD-approved housing counseling agencies can talk with you about renting, falling behind and keeping your home. Call to find one near you.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)
Help paying rent in a home you choose, for families with very low income, older adults and people with disabilities. Local housing authorities run it, and many have waiting lists.
Apply through your local public housing authority. HUD lists every housing authority by state.
Checked on October 9, 2026
Help near you
Find county and state offices near you, or call 211 to talk to someone about help in your area.
Talk to a person
- 211 California
Free help finding food, housing, bills and more near you.
Call 211 - 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 if you are in crisis or worried about someone. Any time.
Call 988Text 988