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California

All kinds of help

Housing

Help paying rent, finding a safe place to stay, and keeping the heat and power on. Your state and local housing authorities run rent help and housing vouchers. Your state also runs help with energy bills. If you have nowhere to stay tonight, call 211.Help in California and from the federal government.

Ask about it

Tell us more about what you need. We answer first, then show the programs that fit, then ask a few questions to narrow it down.

Programs in California

California programs for this kind of help. Each agency decides who qualifies.

  • California Department of Social Services and California Department of Housing and Community Development

    CalWORKs Homeless Assistance

    Also: Homelessness Programs

    CalWORKs Homeless Assistance can help eligible CalWORKs families who are experiencing homelessness.

    Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person

    Apply online Agency pageCall CDSS: 916-651-8848Call HCD: 916-263-7420

  • California Department of Housing and Community Development

    Housing and Rental Assistance Programs

    HCD funds housing programs that help eligible residents access affordable housing and rental support.

    Ways to apply:PhonePaperIn person

    Agency pageCall 916-263-7420

  • California Department of Housing and Community Development

    California Housing Finance Agency

    CalHFA offers home financing programs through participating lenders for eligible homebuyers.

    Ways to apply:In person

    Agency pageCall 916-263-7420

  • California Department of Community Services and Development

    Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program

    LIHEAP helps eligible households with home energy costs and energy emergencies.

    Ways to apply:PhonePaperIn person

    Apply online Agency pageCall 916-576-7109

  • California Department of Community Services and Development

    Weatherization Assistance Program

    Weatherization services improve energy efficiency and comfort in eligible homes.

    Ways to apply:PhonePaperIn person

    Apply online Agency pageCall 916-576-7109

Checked on October 8, 2026

Community action agencies in California

Local nonprofits that help people with low incomes. Many help with energy bills, rent, jobs and taxes. Call to ask what they offer now.

Federal programs

These work the same in every state. Each agency decides who qualifies.

  • U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

    Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)

    Help paying rent in a home you choose, for families with very low income, older adults and people with disabilities. Local housing authorities run it, and many have waiting lists.

    Apply through your local public housing authority. HUD lists every housing authority by state.

    Find your housing authority Official page

  • Federal Communications Commission

    Lifeline phone and internet discount

    A monthly discount on phone or internet service for households with low income or who get benefits like SNAP, Medicaid or SSI.

    Check if you qualify and apply on the National Verifier, then pick a phone or internet company that offers Lifeline.

    Apply on the National Verifier Official pageCall 1-800-234-9473

  • Federal Emergency Management Agency

    FEMA disaster assistance

    Help with a place to stay, repairs and other needs after a disaster the President has declared in your area.

    Apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, by phone, or in person at a Disaster Recovery Center.

    Apply on DisasterAssistance.gov Call 1-800-621-3362

Checked on October 9, 2026

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