I’m worried about my housing situation.

Stockton-area homeless shelters and services remain open, and can link you with supportive resources.

San Joaquin Public Health Services created a COVID-19 Brochure for the homeless, which has:

California Tenant Relief Act, rent relief and assistance for tenants, landlords, and homeowners. “Housing is Key” website here.

The City of Stockton COVID 19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program is providing temporary financial relief for eligible persons experiencing difficulty making rent and/or utility payments due to a loss of household income as a result of COVID-19.

The program eligibility and guidelines can be found in the application on the El Concilio website. Questions regarding completed applications should be directed to El Concilio at 209-644-2690 or ERAP@elconcilio.org.

The Stockton City Council has put a moratorium on evictions for tenants who have a higher risk of contracting coronavirus and those whose incomes have been affected due to reduced hours, school closures, or job loss.

Important to note:
- The moratorium does not eliminate a resident’s obligation to pay the unpaid rent. When the local/state emergency expires, renters are obligated to be current on past due rent. Contact your landlord to suggest a repayment plan (in writing).
- If you’re served with a notice, you must respond. Contact legal aid right away: California Rural Legal Assistance (209)946-0605. You can also get assistance from the San Joaquin Fair Housing Association (209-451-3471).

For more information on the City of Stockton’s recent action, including criteria on how to qualify for the moratorium, please click here.

For a comprehensive FAQ on Stockton’s eviction moratorium from Faith in the Valley and California Rural Legal Assistance, click here.

The federal government is taking the following actions to address housing insecurity during COVID-19:
- Homeowners in need may receive forbearance on their mortgage payments for six months, with an additional six months possible, for a total of one year of forbearance. Homeowners must have a loan backed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, or a mortgage guaranteed or insured by the federal government.
- Home foreclosures, and related evictions, have ceased for 60 days, as of March 18, on all federally backed mortgages.
- Find more information here.

Californians who are struggling with the COVID-19 crisis may be eligible for the following relief:
- 90-Day Grace Period for Mortgage Payments -financial institutions will offer, consistent with applicable guidelines, mortgage payment forbearances of up to 90 days to borrowers economically impacted by COVID-19.
- No Negative Credit Impacts Resulting from Relief – financial institutions will not report derogatory tradelines (e.g., late payments) to credit reporting agencies, consistent with applicable guidelines, for borrowers taking advantage of COVID-19-related relief. Moratorium on Initiating Foreclosure Sales or Evictions – for at least 60 days, financial institutions will not initiate foreclosure sales or evictions, consistent with applicable guidelines.
- Find more information on California’s actions here.
The GRID Alternatives Energy for All Program offers solar electricity at no cost to lower-income households:
- This State-funded program will help you save 50-80% on your electricity bill, especially with the extra power being used while sheltering in place. To see if you’re eligible, visit energyforallprogram.org.