The CalWORKs Homeless Assistance (HA) Program was established to help CalWORKs families meet the reasonable costs of securing housing. The CalWORKs HA program serves eligible CalWORKs recipients or apparently eligible CalWORKs applicants, who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. CalWORKs HA can provide cash aid or housing assistance for temporary shelter for up to 16 consecutive calendar days, as well as payments to secure or maintain housing, including a security deposit and last month’s rent, or up to two months of rent arrearages. This program can provide families with emergency, permanent housing assistance, motel vouchers and move-in assistance.
As of January 1, 2017, this benefit is available to an eligible client once every 12 months (formerly a once-in-a-lifetime benefit), with exceptions.
Types of Homeless Assistance:
-Temporary HA, which helps families pay the costs of temporary shelter. 16 calendar days of motel vouchers ($85 per day for a family of four or fewer + $15 for each additional family member, up to $145 daily)
-Permanent HA, which helps families secure housing or prevent eviction. Security deposit and last month’s rent or 2 months arrearages to prevent eviction