How to apply for Alameda County Housing Secure (ACHS) — Alameda in California
Alameda County Housing Secure — a collaborative of legal service providers including Centro Legal de la Raza, the Eviction Defense Center, Bay Area Legal Aid, East Bay Community Law Center, and Housing and Economic Rights Advocates (HERA)
Who it's for
Free legal help to keep you in your home if you are being evicted or are facing foreclosure in Alameda County. Lawyers will represent you in an eviction or foreclosure case, and will also advise on problems that have not yet gone that far, such as repairs your landlord will not make. If you are already getting legal help and a short-term payment would stop you losing your home, emergency financial assistance may be available. Homeowners can get help with mortgage servicing problems, homeowner association disputes, foreclosure, property tax debt and escrow through Housing and Economic Rights Advocates on 510-271-8443 extension 300. Call the main line on 510-422-9406.
This is legal help first — the money is secondary and only reaches people already receiving legal services who are at immediate risk of losing their home and whose housing would be stabilised by a temporary payment. There are income limits, and they differ for renters and homeowners; the collaborative does not publish them on the page cited here, so call 510-422-9406 to check where you fall. There is no age limit: this is not a seniors-only programme. Act quickly — legal deadlines in eviction cases are short, and the help is most effective before a case is decided. NOTE: the separate COVID-era Emergency Rental Assistance Program that Alameda County ran with federal Treasury funds has officially concluded and all approved funds have been distributed; it is not a route to money today. Not legal or financial advice from this site; ACHS's own attorneys provide that.
People who qualify for one senior program often qualify for others. See everything you may qualify for — free, no SSN, about five minutes.
Discover my benefitsWhat you'll need
- Any court papers or notices you have received about the eviction or foreclosure
- Proof of household income
- Proof that you live in Alameda County
Where to apply
Apply online: official application
By phone: 510-422-9406
What to say when you call
"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Alameda County Housing Secure (ACHS) — Alameda. I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need any court papers or notices you have received about the eviction or foreclosure, proof of household income, proof that you live in Alameda County — is anything else required? What is the best next step?"
Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.
Renewals
per case
Not sure if you qualify? Run a free check first.
Discover my benefitsNot legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.