Housing & Food Stability
Eviction notices, utility shut-offs and empty cupboards do not wait. We help you understand the notice in your hand, find and apply for the assistance that exists in your county, and keep food on the table while the rest is sorted out.
Housing
If you have received a notice
The single most important thing is the date and the type of notice. A notice to pay rent or quit, a notice to cure a lease violation, a notice ending a tenancy, and a court summons are four different documents with four different clocks. In California, once a court case (an "unlawful detainer") is filed, a tenant has a short number of court days to respond in writing — and missing it usually means losing automatically. Read eviction notice: next steps now, then contact us.
Rental assistance
Emergency rental assistance exists in most California counties, through county programs, community-based organisations and, in some cities, tenant-protection funds. Programs open and close, have waiting lists and specific documents. We keep track of what is open where, help you apply, and bridge through the Hardship Fund when a small amount prevents an eviction.
Tenant rights, plainly
- A landlord cannot change the locks, remove doors, shut off utilities or remove your belongings to force you out. Only a court, through the sheriff, can carry out an eviction.
- Most California tenancies of more than a year are covered by just-cause eviction rules and rent-increase limits; Los Angeles and other cities add stronger local protections.
- A landlord may not threaten to report or disclose immigration status to make you leave; California law prohibits it.
- You have the right to a habitable home — heat, water, working plumbing, no infestations — and to request repairs without retaliation.
- Security deposits must be returned, with an itemised statement, within 21 days of moving out.
Utilities
Gas, electric and water providers in California must offer payment arrangements, have programs for low-income households (discounted rates, medical baseline, arrears relief) and follow strict shut-off procedures. See utility shut-off protections.
Food
CalFresh
California's food benefit (SNAP) is loaded monthly onto an EBT card and used at supermarkets, many corner stores and farmers' markets. Eligibility depends on household income and size. Many households with a foreign-born story qualify and never apply, often because of misunderstanding about who can apply and whether it affects anyone's status. We explain, honestly, who in your household can apply and help you do it. California also runs a state-funded food program for some immigrants who are not eligible for CalFresh.
WIC
For pregnant and post-partum women, infants and children under five: monthly food benefits, nutrition support and breastfeeding help. Immigration status is not a condition.
School meals
California provides free breakfast and lunch to every public-school student, no application needed. Many districts add summer meal sites and weekend food programs.
Food banks and pantries
The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank and hundreds of pantries, churches and community organisations distribute food weekly. We help you find the nearest ones and their hours, and we connect associations that want to run their own distributions. See food assistance.
How we help
- We read the notice with you and explain the deadline.
- We find what is open in your county and help you apply.
- We connect you to tenant counselling and legal aid before a case reaches court.
- We bridge through the Hardship Fund when a small amount prevents a large harm.
- We follow up until the housing is stable and the food programs are in place.
Need help today?
Free, confidential, in your language. Or fund the next family's relief.