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St. Vincent de Paul Santa Clara County

Veterans and Homelessness

Every year, the US promises young men and women that the country will take care of them if they join our all-volunteer military. That promise extends past their service in uniform and includes educational benefits, quality healthcare, and resources to help build a successful life. But unfortunately, it’s an empty promise to the more than 37,000 homeless veterans in the country.

Housing insecurity and homelessness among veterans are not new. From the Revolutionary War to America’s Engagement in Afghanistan, veterans have been temporarily displaced, faced housing insecurity, or become homeless. Yet, despite the compassionate and committed efforts of nonprofit organizations and the government, there are thousands of homeless veterans in the US.

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the US homeless crisis, leaving millions reeling from massive employment layoffs and financial strains and plunging them into homelessness and housing insecurity. Even before the pandemic, the number of veterans experiencing homelessness was rising. Veteran unemployment, which had been at a 20-year low of slightly more than three percent in December 2019, soared over eight percent to a high of nearly twelve percent in April 2020. 

Homeless Veteran Factors

In addition to the same factors contributing to all homelessness—extreme shortages of affordable housing, livable income, and access to healthcare—many displaced and at-risk veterans face other circumstances. For example, post-deployment readjustment can take a toll on returning veterans. In addition, many live with the lingering effects of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or traumatic brain injuries, making employment challenging or even impossible.

Veteran Homelessness in California and Santa Clara County

In 2020, California accounted for nearly one-third of all veterans experiencing homelessness in America, with 11,401. Together, California, Florida, Texas, and Washington—four states with the highest total number of veterans among their residents— accounted for about 70 percent of all homeless veterans in America.

The convergence of technology, talent, and capital in Silicon Valley has made it the epicenter of innovation for nearly two decades. The creation of giant technology companies caused an explosion in population, affecting the housing market. 

The high cost of living in Santa Clara County presents several challenges for lower-income, working-class families. The average home price of more than $800,000 makes owning a home out of reach for most average wage-earners. For those already living within limited means, all it takes is one unexpected event—a costly medical bill, a death in the family, or incapacitating injury—to be on the brink of homelessness. 

The housing challenge in Santa Clara County is further complicated for veterans living with the consequences of PTSD or a traumatic brain injury, who are often unable to find adequate employment.

Taking Steps to End Homelessness for Veterans

Fortunately, several initiatives and programs are underway to keep veterans from becoming homeless. For example, several pieces of draft legislation have been introduced at the federal level to reduce the number of unhoused veterans. 

One of the legislative efforts focuses on the Department of Labor’s Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program, the only federal grant to focus exclusively on competitive employment for homeless veterans. The bill would extend the program past its 2022 expiration date through 2025.

In addition, the Department of Veterans Affairs is participating in the 2022 Point-in-Time Count. The count estimates the number of veterans living in America without safe, stable housing and is part of its continued work toward ending Veteran homelessness.

There are kind and compassionate organizations and people who work diligently to find shelter for homeless veterans. Organizations like the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul of Santa Clara County provide services to help with rent, utility, and food assistance. 

If You Need Assistance

If you are a veteran experiencing homelessness, are at risk of homelessness, or are experiencing food insecurity in Santa Clara County, California, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Santa Clara County can help. 

The Countywide Shelter Hotline: (408) 278-6420 also provides resources to people currently experiencing homelessness. In addition, the Santa Clara County Homelessness Prevention System at (408) 926-8885 can help if your housing situation is unstable or you’re at risk of becoming homeless.

In addition, the following services for veterans are available:

Santa Clara County Office of Veterans Affairs

68 N. Winchester Boulevard

Santa Clara, CA 95050

(408) 553-6000

San Jose Vet Center

80 Great Oaks Boulevard

San Jose, CA 95119

(408) 993-0729

(877) 927-8387

VA Palo Alto

Health Care System

Palo Alto Division

3801 Miranda Avenue

Palo Alto, CA 94304

(650) 493-5000

(800) 455-0057

United Veterans Council of Santa Clara County

P.O. Box 26517

San Jose, CA 95159

Help Us Give Hope to US Veterans

Together, we can ensure that the people who proudly served the US have shelter. It’s a daunting task, but we can do it with your support. Please consider donating to the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul of Santa Clara County so we can continue to help struggling veterans and their families with dignity, compassion, and love. 

Mental Health and Homelessness

There are many rumors surrounding people who are homeless in the US. It’s not unusual to hear someone say that it’s a life they’ve chosen or that all homeless people are mentally ill. Like the general population, a certain percentage of homeless people in the US struggle with mental health issues.

Just as it’s nearly impossible to get an accurate count of the number of people experiencing homelessness in the US, It’s equally challenging to know how many are dealing with mental health issues.  

A 2015 assessment by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development revealed that 140,000 or 25 percent of the homeless people counted were seriously mentally ill, and 250,000 or 45 percent had any mental illness. By comparison, the most recent statistics found that nearly 20 percent of adults in the US ( or almost 50 million Americans) are experiencing a mental illness, with nearly five percent experiencing a severe mental illness. 

The Link Between Mental Illness and Homelessness

According to researchers, the connection between homelessness and mental illness is a complicated, two-way relationship. For example, individuals with mental illness may experience cognitive and behavioral problems that make it challenging for them to earn a stable income or to carry out daily activities that lead to stable housing. 

In addition, untreated mental illness can cause people to self-medicate abusing alcohol and drugs, impacting their ability to maintain a steady job and shelter.

Other studies show that the trauma caused by homelessness may make it particularly challenging for men to admit that they’re suffering from mental health problems. In addition, time spent being homeless can be related to higher levels of substance abuse and psychiatric distress.

According to the most recent survey, there were 9,706 homeless people in Santa Clara County in 2019. A staggering 42 percent reported suffering from psychiatric or emotional conditions. In addition, Roughly 33 percent said they had post-traumatic stress disorder, affecting their housing stability or employment.

Homelessness Can Compound Mental Health Issues

Navigating the world with mental health disorders is difficult even with excellent medical care and a support system. Unfortunately, people with mental illness experiencing homelessness frequently don’t have those things. Often, homeless people are uninsured, resulting in them going undiagnosed or untreated. In addition, even when diagnosed, without secure shelter, they may be on the move, making it more difficult to maintain treatments.

Homelessness Children and Youth and Mental Health

According to reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS), youth experiencing homelessness have a higher risk of feeling depressed or experiencing trauma and violence than their housed counterparts. In addition, homeless school-age children and youth are three times more likely to attempt suicide than students who live at home with a parent or guardian. 

If You Need Assistance

If you are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless and are dealing with mental health issues, there are available services. 

  • Santa Clara County Mental Health Services Mental Health 

Call Center: 24-Hour 800-704-0900; Momentum for Mental Health: Main 408-260-4040; 438 North White Road: 408-254-6828 2001; The Alameda: 408-261-7777; 206 California Avenue, Palo Alto: 650-617-8340 (8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. M-F)

  • LifeMoves | Julian Street Inn 

Emergency and interim housing for adults working to overcome homelessness and severe mental illness: 546 W. Julian Street, San Jose, CA 95110, 408-271-0820

  • NAMI Santa Clara County, (408) 453-0400

725 E. Santa Clara St. San Jose, CA 95112. Phone: 1.408.794.0564​, Medical and Social Services for Homeless, Adult men & women with mental illness

If you are experiencing homelessness, are at risk of homelessness, or are experiencing food insecurity in Santa Clara County, California, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Santa Clara County offers homeless services and rent, utility, or food assistance

The Countywide Shelter Hotline: (408) 278-6420 also provides resources to people currently experiencing homelessness. In addition, the Santa Clara County Homelessness Prevention System at (408) 926-8885 can help if your housing situation is unstable or you’re at risk of becoming homeless.

We All Have the Power to Make a Difference

We can’t change that some people have a mental illness, but we can work together with kindness and compassion to help the thousands of people who find themselves homeless. Yes, it’s an enormous problem, but there are viable solutions. 
With your support, the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul of Santa Clara County can continue to help struggling families and individuals with dignity, compassion, and love. Everyone is deserving of our help. There are so many ways you can help us help those in need. There are multiple volunteer opportunities and several additional ways to support us. Your donations of cash, or even a car, can make a significant difference in the life of someone experiencing homelessness.

Seniors and Homelessness: A Looming Crisis

An alarming number of seniors (people 50 and older) in the US are homeless. Although delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic have put off recent counts, senior homelessness rates are rising. Between 2007 and 2017, homeless rates increased from 22.9 percent in 2007 to 33.8 percent in 2017 for people 50 and older. Unfortunately, the forecast is dire unless drastic measures are taken, with the number of homeless adults (65 and older) projected to triple by 2030.

With millions of older adults living on the economic edge due to a medical crisis, the loss of a spouse, or a limited fixed income, the end of the pandemic eviction moratorium will potentially put many more seniors at risk for homelessness. Especially vulnerable are the poor, many of whom live on no more than $1,000 a month in Social Security income. That’s barely enough to cover the costs of rent, utilities, medications, and food.  

Causes of the Senior Homeless Crisis

Many contributing factors paved the way for the pending senior homeless crisis long before the pandemic. 

While there’s no single narrative leading to the risk of homelessness for seniors, there are several contributing factors. For example, aging bodies making it more difficult to do physical labor, outsourced jobs, and a partner’s loss of income can all quickly send a person into a downward spiral.

In addition, many conditions that put increased economic strains on older Americans can be traced to the 1980s. For example, stagnated wages, disappearing fixed pension plans, and increased housing costs, hit those relying on fixed incomes especially hard.

More recently, the 2008 economic crisis contributed to the increased number of older Americans in the homeless population. Many people between the ages of 60 and 65 lost significant equity in their homes or lost their homes to foreclosure, pushing them into the unaffordable rental market. Further compounding the situation, older members of the workforce who lost jobs during the recession were less likely than younger people to find new ones.

The Impact of Homelessness on Seniors

Homelessness is challenging for anyone at any age. However, It can be especially grueling for older people. The difference between having a place to live and being homeless can happen due to one life-changing event—the loss of a spouse, death of a family caregiver, a chronic illness, dementia, or Alzheimer’s.

Although all homeless people can fall victim to the effects of poor nutrition, limited healthcare access, and the high-stress levels associated with homelessness, seniors also face specific health risks. For example, older people often struggle to manage chronic diseases. In addition, seniors living with diabetes or heart disease are frequently unable to make doctor appointments or adhere to specific medication regimens and diets crucial to maintaining their health.

According to the National Health Care for the Homeless Council, homeless seniors also face higher mortality rates. For example, adults 50 and older who are homeless have mortality rates four times higher than the general population.

Santa Clara County reported a record number of homeless deaths in 2020—more than 200—higher than any year in the past decade. Included in that count are approximately 141 unhoused seniors. It’s a stark reminder of the housing crisis in one of the nation’s wealthiest regions.

If You Need Assistance

If you are experiencing homelessness, are at risk of homelessness, or are experiencing food insecurity in Santa Clara County, California, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Santa Clara County offers homeless services and rent, utility, or food assistance

The Countywide Shelter Hotline: (408) 278-6420 also provides resources to people currently experiencing homelessness. In addition, the Santa Clara County Homelessness Prevention System at (408) 926-8885 can help if your housing situation is unstable or you’re at risk of becoming homeless.

Help Us Help Homeless Seniors

No one wants to think of their grandparents ending up homeless. Together we can help organizations like the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul of Santa Clara County find solutions to make sure no one’s grandparents find themselves in that situation. After a life of hard work and raising families, they deserve our compassion.There are so many ways you can help us help those in need. There are multiple volunteer opportunities and several additional ways to support us. Your donations of cash, or even a car, can make a significant difference in the life of someone experiencing homelessness.

Child Homelessness: A Growing Crisis

Child Homelessness: A Growing Crisis

Homelessness is devastating. The number of people dealing with homelessness in the US is staggering, making the subject difficult to comprehend and one that overwhelms us. While it’s challenging to think of anyone without shelter, the thought of homeless children is especially alarming; however, it is a reality that requires our compassion and attention.

National Numbers

  • California accounted for 15 percent of families experiencing homelessness in the US, with 24 percent of people experiencing homelessness as part of an unsheltered family.
  • Nearly 2.6 million families with children experience “worst-case housing needs,” meaning they are incredibly rent-burdened, their income is at or below the poverty line, they spend half of their income on housing, and receive no housing assistance from the government.

Santa Clara has approximately 2,700 homeless residents under 18—the highest number in the Bay Area counties. Experts suspect that the numbers are even higher because many women withhold that information for fear of having their children taken away.

In October 2021, officials in Santa Clara County launched Heading Home—an ambitious project to end homelessness in Santa Clara County by 2025—to address the growing homeless population. In the meantime, more than 2,500 children continue to feel the effects of homelessness.

The Pandemic’s Impact on Homeless Children

Not surprisingly, the pandemic accelerated the rate of homelessness in the US, yet, the right to a decent, safe, and affordable home was already out of reach for many children and families even before the COVID-19 crisis—particularly for Black, Hispanic, and Indigenous families.

The fallout from high unemployment rates led to food insecurity and evictions, expanding child homelessness. The devastation of the pandemic continues, and it may be years before the full impact is known. 

The Consequences of Child Homelessness

Having a safe, stable home is a basic need for all children. Homelessness, unstable housing, and the lack of affordable housing have dire outcomes for children’s health, education, and future earning potential. 

Education Concerns

Attending school can be a struggle when children are without a permanent place to stay. As a result, they are behind on lessons, homework, and other school activities. In addition, frequent moves from shelter to shelter or other accommodations result in students in constant flux. Experts estimate that school transfers cause students to lose anywhere from four to six months of academic learning. 

In addition, homeless children often must deal with the stress of adjusting to a new school—yet another unfamiliar environment—and can be the subject of bullying. The challenges of attending school for homeless children contribute to higher dropout rates. Without a diploma, they have fewer employment opportunities as adults, making them susceptible to future homelessness.

Health Issues

Being homeless can exact a high health toll on children. People experiencing a homeless crisis are also likely to lack adequate food sources. While a lack of sufficient and nutritious meals can cause health concerns for anyone, it can be especially devastating for children. 

For example, asthma—one of the most common illnesses among homeless kids—is further aggravated by displacement, interrupting asthma maintenance treatments. Staying in shelters can also increase exposure to allergens for asthmatic children, triggering attacks. In addition, very young children housed in shelters have a high rate of iron deficiency anemia.

In addition, the combination of hunger and homelessness at an early age increases the risk of developmental delays, creating significant educational, emotional, and health disadvantages.

Homelessness can also cause multiple mental and behavioral health issues. Being homeless is highly stressful for anyone, but the experience can cause deep trauma for children, lingering well into adulthood.

Help Is Available

Everyone needs a helping hand sometimes, and fortunately, help is available if you are experiencing homelessness, are at risk of homelessness, or are experiencing food insecurity. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Santa Clara County offers homeless services and rent, utility, or food assistance

The Countywide Shelter Hotline: (408) 278-6420 provides assistance and resources to people currently experiencing homelessness. In addition, the Santa Clara County Homelessness Prevention System at (408) 926-8885 can help if your housing situation is unstable or you’re at risk of becoming homeless.

Help Us Help Homeless Children

The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul of Santa Clara County has been helping struggling families and individuals since 1948 with dignity, compassion, and love. There are so many ways you can help us help those in need. There are multiple volunteer opportunities and several additional ways to support us. Your donations of cash, or even a car,in any condition, can make a significant difference in the life of a homeless child.

Housing and Feeding Families in Need

Homelessness is increasing at an alarming rate across California, but particularly so in Santa Clara County. The 2019 bi-annual Homeless Census estimated that for every person who exits homelessness, another three people seek assistance. Even though the 2021 Census was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic due to the ongoing consequences of the crisis, it’s probably safe to assume that the current numbers are even higher than they were in 2019. 

Experts generally agree that the pandemic has exacerbated existing racial and economic inequalities. Even those who have homes may be struggling to pay rent, facing eviction, or unable to pay for food or necessities. Now, more than ever, it’s essential that people who can give back to their communities do so—and that those in need know where to go to get help. 

How to Get Help

If you are experiencing homelessness, are at risk of homelessness, or are experiencing food insecurity, it can be daunting to ask for help, even if you know where to find it. While everyone’s situation and needs will be different, here are a couple of starting points to consider when looking for support:

  • Public Resources. Look for state-, county-, or city-funded resources that focus on helping people experiencing homelessness. For example, the County of Santa Clara Social Services Agency and the City of Santa Clara provide family services and food assistance for those in need.

    Assistance comes in a variety of forms. Depending on your family’s specific situation, you may qualify for subsidized housing, rent/mortgage assistance, or even help with your utility bills. In addition, you may receive food assistance in the form of supplemental nutrition programs or food delivery/distribution.  
  • Private Resources. Private organizations such as St. Vincent de Paul help those in need by giving directly or putting them in touch with other organizations in their Emergency Assistance Network in Santa Clara County.

    The type of help will vary from organization to organization; for example, charities such as St. Vincent de Paul specialize in person-to-person service, including rental assistance, utility assistance, food and other items, and spiritual guidance. Other organizations focus more on social support, including assisting people in finding employment or accessing social services.

    Others, such as soup kitchens and shelters, offer drop-in services. Becoming aware of the resources in your area and the type of services they offer can help you determine which might be the best fit for you. 

Facing financial or food-related insecurity can feel hopeless at times. In moments of need, however, help is available. Contact Saint Vincent de Paul of Santa Clara to talk to someone about your options. People in need can find local assistance and services depending on their location. 

How to Give Help

Most people believe in helping others and giving back to their communities. However, uncertainty about the best way to help or which organizations to partner with can be a barrier for some people. 

  • Donate goods or money. Find a charity or nonprofit in your area that helps provide housing and food for those in need, and consider donating food, gently used household goods, or cash. Be sure to contact the organization or check their website ahead of time to see if they have any guidelines or restrictions on the types of donations they can accept.  
  • Volunteer your time and energy. If you’re not in a position to donate food items or money, but you still want to make a difference, consider signing up to volunteer with a nonprofit that helps to house and feed families in need. Whether you end up helping with administrative duties or outreach efforts, a few hours of your time can make a huge difference.

While the growing number of people who are experiencing insecurity of some kind may be daunting, it’s important to remember that each of us has the power to make an impact by helping the people in our communities, whether directly or indirectly. Contact Saint Vincent de Paul of Santa Clara County to learn more about ways you can contribute.

Since 1948, the mission of The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul of Santa Clara County is to help struggling families and individuals—whether their struggle is with homelessness, maintaining housing, food insecurity, healthcare, utilities or other issues. In the spirit of its founder, SVdP treats all individuals with dignity, compassion, and love. To support their efforts at healing the Santa Clara County community, consider volunteering or donating.

Ways You Can Help Homeless People Now

If you’ve spent time walking around in any major city, you’ve probably noticed encampments beneath overpasses or clusters of makeshift cardboard shelters in city parks—and of course, the people in them. And if you thought to yourself, with sadness or concern, that their numbers seemed to be rising, you’d be correct. According to a US Department of Housing and Urban Development report, 2020 marked the fourth year in a row that homelessness increased across the nation. 

Nowhere is this problem more pronounced or visible than in California, which has the largest overall population and the largest homeless population of any state in the country. In January of 2020, the homeless population of California was estimated at 161,548 individuals

Of those, approximately 9,709 were recorded in Santa Clara County alone. Notably, this staggering number was reported before the COVID-19 pandemic caused widespread financial and employment crises for many people. Experts generally agree that things have only gotten worse since then—and will continue to do so if the problem isn’t addressed. 

Homelessness is a complex issue. A person experiencing a homeless crisis is just that: a person. And, like all people, they each have different stories and an array of reasons why they are experiencing a homeless crisis. Addiction, mental illness, catastrophic events, family violence, and loss of employment are among the many causes of homelessness. 

Taking Action

With local and state governments struggling to pass and implement policies to address these problems on a broad scale, many local nonprofits and private citizens have stepped up to support people in need. However, given the continued impact of the pandemic and the deep-rooted systemic causes of poverty and homelessness, these efforts are not enough. 

The question of how to help a homeless person is not always easy to answer. While some general suggestions are outlined below, the best place to begin is by remembering the humanity of each homeless person you encounter.

Fortunately, we all have the power to make a difference in our communities. Below are a few ideas for ways you can help people in need:

  • Donate gently used household goods. From clothing to kitchen utensils to cars, you’d be surprised at the number of items that can be useful to other people. Check with your local homeless shelter to see what they need or any items they can’t accept. You can also contact organizations that operate thrift stores that sell goods to finance services to help those in need and support rehabilitation and employment programs.

Some people have also taken to preparing kits for homeless people, including clean socks, snacks, or toiletries (among other things) and handing them out when they encounter someone in need on the street. If you’re comfortable doing so, consider asking the people you meet what they need most.

  • Donate money or time. Most nonprofits rely heavily on funds from donors and welcome financial contributions of any size. If you’re unable to donate cash, volunteer a few hours of your time. Contact homeless shelters or food banks in your area to see if they need volunteers.

  • Treat them like people. The Homeless are often shunned or experience discrimination—both of which can be incredibly dehumanizing. There’s also a dark history of violence against homeless people, which can cause them to resist assistance and interaction. Also, many people experiencing a homeless crisis suffer from mental health or substance abuse, both of which are highly stigmatized.

  • Support policy changes. While providing resources to people in need is essential, it’s also crucial to understand that this is simply treating the symptoms rather than addressing the problem. Addressing various social issues, including poverty, racism, substance abuse, and mental health care are the root of the problem. Educate yourself on the legislation in your city or state that supports affordable housing initiatives, and make sure you show up to vote in local elections. 

Since 1948, the mission of The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul of Santa Clara County is to help struggling families and individuals—whether their struggle is with homelessness, maintaining housing, food insecurity, healthcare, utilities or other issues.  People in need can find local assistance and services depending on their location. In the spirit of its founder, SVdP treats all individuals with dignity, compassion, and love. To support their efforts at healing the Santa Clara County community, consider volunteering or donating

As California’s eviction deadline nears, Bay Area housing officials turn to volunteers, nonprofits

Carol Lillig and the church ladies at St. Vincent de Paul in Morgan Hill have been helping struggling renters for a couple of decades — long before the pandemic throttled the work lives of landscapers, school bus drivers and child care workers.

On a recent weekday,  Lillig sat outside the church on a folding chair across from Xiomara Galicia, a single mom, who lost her retail job at the beginning of the pandemic. Galicia, 36, has four school-aged children, $123 in unpaid rent and an unemployment benefit about to end. She worried even a small blemish on her rent record would ruin future chances for housing. She needed help.

“To be behind is stressful, as you know” Lillig told her, and took photos of Galicia’s financial documents and uploaded them into an online relief application. Lillig told Galicia she should qualify to have her back rent covered and future rent paid for the next three months, under the complex formulas used by local and state agencies to reimburse landlords.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you!” Galicia said. “I’m just really grateful.”

Lillig is part of an essential and growing piece of California’s knotty and faltering $5 billion rental relief effort — volunteers, part-time workers, community activists and do-gooders sitting side-by-side with delinquent renters, calling landlords and urging government agencies to send money ASAP.

About $500 million in federal funds is earmarked for the Bay Area, but how quickly it will be sent out and how many families it will help before the eviction ban ends this month remain looming questions.

Bay Area social agencies are leaning hard on smaller nonprofits and recruiting other institutions. Santa Clara County courts have begun promoting the local relief efforts, trying to bridge the trust gap between landlords and tenants. One of the East Bay’s largest community organizations expects to double the number of social agencies it’s using for outreach. The state also has more than tripled its number of caseworkers.

Yet frustration continues to mount. The California relief program, supplemented by an additional $2 billion in aid for unpaid utility bills, has been marred by glitchy application websites, confusing requirements for local and state programs, and some skepticism among landlords and tenants.

“Progress has been glacial,” said Santa Clara County eviction attorney Todd Rothbard. He has reached out to housing officials to facilitate aid payments to his landlord clients — hoping to get batches of applications done uniformly and efficiently — but efforts have stalled, he said.

“The myth is that landlords are frothing at the bit to evict,” Rothbard said. “In most cases, all they want to do is get paid.”

The U.S. Supreme Court’s rejection of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention eviction moratorium last month has spurred federal officials to find ways to lower barriers to getting relief to tenants and landlords. The CDC ban had little effect in California, where tenant protections are more comprehensive. The state’s eviction moratorium expires Sept. 30, although renters can receive limited protections by applying for state assistance through March 2022.

California housing officials have received requests for $1.4 billion in relief and paid out $426 million — roughly 30% — since the program launched in March through Aug. 31, according to state data.

In the Bay Area, San Mateo County families completed 4,063 applications for $57 million and have received about $22.3 million. Contra Costa County tenants filed 9,189 requests for $112 million and have received $39.3 million.

Large cities and counties were allowed to establish individual programs, and have primarily focused on the poorest renters most likely to become homeless. Oakland suspended its local program in May after being flooded with applications for its $13 million share. The city expects to reopen the program when new funds become available.

Jonathan Russell of Bay Area Community Services in Oakland said the agency has been able to prioritize families at high risk for homelessness through their case files, data and relationships with small, community nonprofits. It has doubled its network of local agencies in Oakland.

Partnering with neighborhood groups, he said, “has been a critical step in the process.”

Santa Clara County and San Jose have teamed up to distribute aid to residents making less than 30% of the community’s median income, or $49,700 for a family of four.

Chad Bojorquez of Destination: Home said the agency expects applications to surge this month. The organization, which is serving as a contractor helping administer the joint fund created by the county and city, originally hired temp workers to handle the casework. But housing officials learned the complicated program needed well-trained, experienced social workers.

Destination: Home has boosted its network of housing partners from 15 before the pandemic to a high of 70 local agencies, he said. The Santa Clara County program has received $50 million in requests from 4,700 households through August, and has paid out  $11.7 million, according to local data.

But some have found running aid programs too cumbersome. At least nine cities and counties, including Solano County, have folded local programs and turned administration over to the state. In Southern California, Los Angeles and Orange County have also switched to state administration after trying to manage distribution.

A spokesman for the state Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency said more cities have approached the department about turning over relief efforts.

In Morgan Hill, Lillig and a half-dozen women of the St. Vincent de Paul parish were tapped by housing officials a few months ago. They’ve helped about 140 families so far, meeting clients and landlords outside the church or in apartment complexes.

Church volunteers and a paid employee spend between three to five hours on each relief application — faster than when they first started, but still a labor-intensive job to gather pay stubs, leases, tax returns and verifications from landlords, among other details. Many needy clients work for the school district, or as landscapers, construction workers and cleaners.

Aid applications don’t run smoothly on mobile phones, often the sole source of internet for low income families. “Language is not so much a problem,” Lillig said, noting many volunteers speak Spanish. “It’s technology.”

The church volunteers have agreed to handle cases from another 60 families, and will start to receive small stipends for their work.

Several times, Lillig said, an applicant has cried when the application is filed, well before any public money is sent to the landlord. “They’re happy, but they’re relieved,” she said. “They’re relieved.”

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Rental Assistance for extremely low income Santa Clara County residents

The Santa Clara County Homelessness Prevention System has rental assistance available for extremely low income residents who need help paying rent. To learn more and start an application [click here].

You can also view the flyers and get additional information at the links below.

Need Help?

Contact one of the many community partners.

SVDP Launches Covid-19 Crisis Appeal

Designed by jcomp / Freepik
 

The COVID crisis in Santa Clara County has had an impact on us all; social distancing, school shut-downs, working from home, small business closures, mandatory mask wearing, and missed medical appointments. While to some families, this is an inconvenience, to many it is a tragic turn of events.

For the people living on the fringes and struggling to pay the bills, this crisis is threatening the well-being of their families. With a population of 1.94M in Santa Clara County and a current poverty rate of 8.64%, that’s over 167,000 people already living in poverty, and with their employment going away they are struggling every day to make ends meet. Many have turned to St Vincent de Paul to get relief.

The Society of St Vincent de Paul of Santa Clara County (SVdP) was founded in 1946 with a mission to help anyone regardless of race, creed, religion, age, sex… we help all in need! We provide assistance with food, utilities, rent, healthcare costs, and transportation expenses. No act of charity is foreign to our Society.

The greatest expense a struggling family faces in Santa Clara County is rent, which was why the county placed a moratorium on evictions. However, although this moratorium prevents eviction, it does not relieve the financial obligation of the tenants, it simply delays it. As a result, many families are going deeper into debt in addition to becoming unemployed. Last year, SVdP provided an average of $45,000.00 a month in rental assistance. With the COVID crisis, we have seen the request for rental assistance increase to over $110,000.00 in June and over $115,000.00 in July. When the eviction moratorium is lifted and families must start paying back overdue rents, we anticipate a “tsumani” of requests for financial assistance. One major source of income for SVdP is through local Church collections and fundraising events. With the delays in opening Churches and social distancing preventing fundraising events, our income has been drastically reduced. We are reaching out to our donor based for help. Our goal is to rescue as many families as we can and prevent more homelessness in our County. Any and all contributions are greatly appreciated. 100% of all donations will go to helping families with housing. An anonymous donor has agreed to match all donations received by September 30 up to $25,000.

You can donate securely online by clicking the following link: Donate Now.

If you’d prefer to donate by check please mail your donation to:
Society of St. Vincent de Paul of SCC
P.O. Box 5579
San Jose, CA 95150

May God Bless You and Keep Your Family Safe!

BOMBAS Sock Donation distributed throughout SCC

SVdP of Santa Clara County provides assistance to those in need. We provide rental assistance, utility assistance, food, assistance with healthcare expenses, transportation costs, clothing, and now… SOCKS!

With a generous donation from Bombas Socks we were able to provide the needy with new socks! It’s amazing how much pleasure can be gained by a fresh new pair of socks! The generous donation was distributed to our conferences throughout the county who in turn delivered them to the needy of our community.

Thank you Bombas for your generosity and support for our community!

@BOMBASSOCKS @BOMBAS #BEEBETTER #BOMBAS