Bay Area Community Services (BACS) is thrilled to announce two historic partnerships with the City of Emeryville and the City of Hayward to provide rental relief to residents impacted by COVID-19.
We are working to prevent homelessness before it starts, for the thousands of Bay Area residents who have lost their income, depleted their savings, and are facing a housing crisis during this pandemic.
These two initiatives are based on the Keep Oakland Housed pilot program, which over two years has kept thousands of Oakland community members in their homes. On average, BACS found it takes less than $2,500 to prevent someone from losing their housing, and preserve that unit of affordable housing – preventing displacement, gentrification, and significant long-term costs to the individual and the system in trying to address their homelessness.
BACS CEO Jamie Almanza says, “Keeping community members housed is critical, during this crisis and ongoing. BACS has always advocated for innovative, comprehensive solutions to the housing crisis, and this pandemic has brought too many people close to the brink of homelessness. We are honored to work with the City of Hayward and the City of Emeryville to keep everyone housed.”
Eligibility and Access
Emeryville residents may be eligible for June or July rent relief if they:
- have an income less than 100% of the AMI (area median income)
- have documented loss of income related to COVID-19
- are current on rental payments due prior to the Emeryville Eviction Moratorium adopted by the City Council on March 19, 2020
- Full Emeryville tenant relief program guidelines available here.
Full Emeryville tenant relief program guidelines available here.
Hayward residents may be eligible for April or May back rent relief if they:
- are very low-income (up to 50% AMI) OR are low-income (up to 80% AMI) with a high rent burden (30% or more of income)
- have documented loss of income related to COVID-19
Full Hayward tenant relief program guidelines available here.
Our mission is uplift under-served individuals and their families by doing whatever it takes. BACS is working tirelessly to continue our essential mental health and housing work, while protecting clients, staff, and the community from heightened risk. BACS leadership has been actively partnering with city, county, state, and federal agencies to determine the best response to this constantly evolving situation.
This would not be possible without your support. You can help preserve and protect your community. If you are able, please donate today – all donations are meaningful.
