I’m worried about my housing situation.
If you are currently experiencing homelessness:
Stockton-area homeless shelters and services remain open, and can link you with supportive resources.
- Stockton Shelter for the Homeless (209-466-2605)
- San Joaquin Fair Housing Association (209-451-3471)
- Women’s Center of San Joaquin County (209-941-2611)
San Joaquin Public Health Services created a COVID-19 Brochure for the homeless, which has:
- COVID-19 prevention tips
- Symptoms to watch out for
- Guidance on what to do if you experience symptoms
If you are a tenant concerned about potential eviction:
- California Tenant Relief Act, rent relief and assistance for tenants, landlords, and homeowners. “Housing is Key” website here.
- The City of Stockton COVID 19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program is providing temporary financial relief for eligible persons experiencing difficulty making rent and/or utility payments due to a loss of household income as a result of COVID-19.
- The program eligibility and guidelines can be found in the application on the El Concilio website. Questions regarding completed applications should be directed to El Concilio at 209-644-2690 or ERAP@elconcilio.org.
- The Stockton City Council has put a moratorium on evictions for tenants who have a higher risk of contracting coronavirus and those whose incomes have been affected due to reduced hours, school closures, or job loss.
- Important to note:
- The moratorium does not eliminate a resident’s obligation to pay the unpaid rent. When the local/state emergency expires, renters are obligated to be current on past due rent. Contact your landlord to suggest a repayment plan (in writing).
- If you’re served with a notice, you must respond. Contact legal aid right away: California Rural Legal Assistance (209)946-0605. You can also get assistance from the San Joaquin Fair Housing Association (209-451-3471).
- For more information on the City of Stockton’s recent action, including criteria on how to qualify for the moratorium, please click here.
- For a comprehensive FAQ on Stockton’s eviction moratorium from Faith in the Valley and California Rural Legal Assistance, click here.
If you are a homeowner:
- The federal government is taking the following actions to address housing insecurity during COVID-19:
- Homeowners in need may receive forbearance on their mortgage payments for six months, with an additional six months possible, for a total of one year of forbearance. Homeowners must have a loan backed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, or a mortgage guaranteed or insured by the federal government.
- Home foreclosures, and related evictions, have ceased for 60 days, as of March 18, on all federally backed mortgages.
- Find more information here.
- Californians who are struggling with the COVID-19 crisis may be eligible for the following relief:
- 90-Day Grace Period for Mortgage Payments -financial institutions will offer, consistent with applicable guidelines, mortgage payment forbearances of up to 90 days to borrowers economically impacted by COVID-19.
- No Negative Credit Impacts Resulting from Relief – financial institutions will not report derogatory tradelines (e.g., late payments) to credit reporting agencies, consistent with applicable guidelines, for borrowers taking advantage of COVID-19-related relief. Moratorium on Initiating Foreclosure Sales or Evictions – for at least 60 days, financial institutions will not initiate foreclosure sales or evictions, consistent with applicable guidelines.
- Find more information on California’s actions here.
- The GRID Alternatives Energy for All Program offers solar electricity at no cost to lower-income households:
- This State-funded program will help you save 50-80% on your electricity bill, especially with the extra power being used while sheltering in place. To see if you’re eligible, visit energyforallprogram.org.