The Homelessness Prevention System (HPS) program provides assistance to low-income families or individuals who are at risk of losing their housing, including:
Temporary Financial Assistance
Legal Support
Case Management and Other Services
Call (408) 516-5100
or email info@preventhomelessness.org
to learn more and determine if you’re eligible for assistance
Our Network of Partners
The Homelessness Prevention System is administered by a network of 20 non-profit organizations located throughout Santa Clara County:
PARTNER AGENCIES
Emergency Family
Shelter Support
Legal Support
Domestic Violence Advocacy Consortium
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to receive HPS assistance?
All are welcome to apply regardless of race, sex, color, age, religion, actual or perceived gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, ethnic or national origin, or familial or immigration status. No information about immigration status will be collected; citizenship or legal residency is not required for eligibility. The following guidelines are used to determine eligibility:
- Resident of Santa Clara County
- Low-income (based on federal guidelines; approx. $146,100 for a 4-person household)
- Currently housed but at risk of losing housing within approximately 14 days, for example:
- can’t pay upcoming rent
- received an eviction notice
- unsafe to remain in current housing
- must leave current housing for other reasons
- At high risk of homelessness based on a short assessment questionnaire
How can I find out if I qualify?
You can schedule a ‘pre-screening’ appointment by calling (408) 926-8885, emailing info@preventhomelessness.org, or contacting any of the participating agencies listed on the program flyer. The pre-screening includes an interview and questionnaire, and generally takes 1-2 hours to complete. If you meet initial initial requirements, you will be asked to provide documentation confirming your eligibility.
What type of information will I need to provide?
Required documentation is flexible and may vary depending on your situation. In general, you will be asked to provide IDs for all household members, a lease agreement, income documentation for the past 2 months, and recent bills. If you don’t have some of these documents, there may be other options. Any HPS agency can provide more information on specific documentation needs and work with you on your individual situation.
What if I don’t qualify for HPS assistance?
Some agencies may have additional resources available to offer emergency services to households at risk of homelessness. An agency representative will guide you to any other resources that may be helpful in your situation.
How can I get connected to legal help?
Any HPS agency can refer you to the Law Foundation, who will provide information and determine if you’re eligible to receive free legal assistance. You can also call the Law Foundation directly at (408) 280-2424 or visit lawfoundation.org/housing for more information.
Looking for information on the Homelessness Prevention System COVID-19 Response?
The Santa Clara County Homelessness Prevention System is no longer involved with deploying federal rent relief. A summary of these efforts is available in the following dashboard.
The Santa Clara County Homelessness Prevention System is a unique partnership between public agencies, private funders, and non-profit organizations to help at-risk families and individuals maintain their housing and avoid falling into homelessness. This initiative is co-led by The County of Santa Clara Office of Supportive Housing, Destination: Home and Sacred Heart Community Service.
You can learn more about the Homelessness Prevention System by visiting the Destination: Home website.