Homeless Housing and Prevention Program
Program Description: The Pala Housing Resource Center applied for and was awarded funding under the Homeless Housing and Prevention Program (HHAP). The program is designed to assist Pala Tribal members with preventing homelessness. PHRC has allocated a limited amount of funds under Prevention and Shelter Diversion. In order to receive assistance, an application must be submitted and you will be required to participate in an orientation, plan of action to prevent homelessness and a survey. Income is not a determining factor for assistance. This is a temporary program and will be administered until the funding is exhausted.
Applications will be processed on a first come first serve basis, however assistance will be open for a period of 30 days for applicants who have not yet received funding assistance through any other grant assisted program, such as HAF or Emergency Rental Assistance.
As a grantee requirement, the Pala Housing Resource Center included a youth set aside to prevent homelessness. HHAP defines youth ages 12-24. A separate program has been developed to target the youth. Application packets will be available upon request.
All activities must have a direct link to serving homelessness and/or prevention.
Eligible Activities:
Utility Assistance – PHRC can assist with a utility assistance to include electric or propane. PHRC will pay up to 75% of the total past due bill for utilities with a cap of $2,000.00 or $350 towards propane. Eligible applicants can apply one time per year, if funding is available.
Specific Program Requirements:
- Must be a Pala Tribal Member and the bill needs to be in your name
- Must demonstrate the need for assistance to prevent homelessness
- Must agree to participate in one financial class and/or survey within 6 months of assistance
- Can only apply once per year, if funding is available
Emergency Housing Repairs – Minor repairs that is or will affect safe living conditions and are required to prevent homelessness, meaning the repairs must be a health and safety issue. All repairs must be completed by a licensed contractor in the State of California. Repairs are limited up to $10,000.00, unless repairs are for a Pala senior. Repairs exceeding the cap amount will be considered through a payment plan. You must be the homeowner to apply and qualify for Emergency Housing Repairs on a one-time basis. Inspections may be required. Tribal members may apply by calling PHRC and doing an intake over the phoen.
Specific Program Requirements:
- Must be a Pala Tribal Member
- Must have the repair work inspected and quote submitted to PHRC
- Must be the homeowner and the home must be your primary residence and be insured
- Must agree to participate in one financial class and survey within 6 months of assistance
- Can only apply once per year, if funding is available
- Must agree to a specific housing plan and maintenance agreement
Emergency Rental Assistance – Assistance with emergency rent (for those that have not had any rental assistance within the past 12 months though a Tribal, State or Federal program).
Specific Program Requirements:
- Must be a Pala Tribal Member
- Must be on the lease/rental agreement and the Tribal member’s primary residence
- Must agree to participate in one financial class and survey within 6 months of assistance
- Must be homeless or in jeopardy of becoming homeless
- Must be past due or a 3-day notice to quit must have been issued
- Member must apply in person and understands this is a temporary program assistance is on a one-time basis
- A maximum of 2 months rent will be paid and anything above that will require a payment arrangement through PHRC with monthly deductions
- Must demonstrate that payment will secure housing and prevent eviction or submit a new rental/lease agreement
Emergency Shelter/Temporary Housing Assistance – Temporary assistance will be available to members who are currently homeless and need temporary shelter. Hotel stays will be available for 5 days straight. Hotel stays will be at the designated location by PHRC.
Specific Program Requirements:
- Must be a Pala Tribal Member
- Must be homeless
- Must apply in person
- Member understands that this is a temporary program and that other temporary or permanent housing options will need to be explored by the Tribal Member.
- Must agree to participate in one financial class and survey within 6 months of assistance
Hygiene/Essential Bags – Hygiene bags will be available with basic essentials and any other essentials upon request. Both bags for children/teens and adults will be available. Non-Allowable items; alcohol, tobacco, cigarettes, vapes, lighters, electronics, sports equipment, home furnishing, candy, junk food, entertainment, outdoor furnishings, yard supplies, cosmetics, toys, craft items, pet supplies.
Youth Set Aside – a separate program has been developed to target the Youth, Youth Development Program. Application packets will be available upon request. This is the only program activity that will be community based to target all youth in the community.
Financial/Education Classes – Financial and educational classes will be available monthly. Each applicant must complete one class within a 6-month period and complete a survey in order to participate in future housing programs. Elders are exempt from this class, but may attend.