Emergency housing with CalFresh and CalWORKs after eviction notice - need help fast!

Yes, call your worker ASAP! CalWORKs does have emergency housing assistance through the Homeless Assistance Program. You can qualify for temporary shelter payments for up to 16 days. Since you have a minor child, are currently receiving CalWORKs, and are facing imminent homelessness (sheriff's notice qualifies), you should be eligible. Make sure to mention specifically that you need "Temporary Homeless Assistance" when you call. They may ask for documentation of your eviction notice, so have that ready. Also, ask about the Permanent Homeless Assistance program since you'll need help with security deposit and first month's rent once you find a new place.

OMG this SAME thing happened to me last year!!! I never got ANY court papers either and then suddenly sheriffs showing up?! The system is BS honestly. When I called my worker she was out that whole week and nobody helped me. We ended up staying with my cousin for like 3 weeks it was awful. Hope u have better luck then me!!

you need to call RIGHT AWAY when they open tomorrow dont wait. i waited til afternoon when i had this problem and they told me i had to wait til next day to get approved and we slept in car. also if u have family that can take u for even 1-2 nights do that while u wait for approval. the hotel vouchers take time sometimes.

I've been through this exact situation before, and getting through to your worker quickly is going to be critical here. If you've been trying the regular county line and getting nowhere, you might want to try using Claimyr (claimyr.com). It's this service that calls the county office for you and then connects you once they get through to a real person. Saved me hours of hold time when I was facing eviction last year. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8. Since you only have until Thursday morning, every hour counts right now.

I work with families in similar situations, and I can provide some accurate information about your options: 1. CalWORKs Homeless Assistance can provide temporary shelter payments for up to 16 days in a 12-month period. You're eligible since you receive CalWORKs and have a child. 2. Many counties have Emergency Response Teams specifically for families with children facing imminent homelessness. Ask specifically if your county has one. 3. Your county might also have a Housing Support Program (HSP) through CalWORKs that provides more comprehensive housing services. 4. If you can't reach your regular worker, ask to speak with the Worker of the Day or a supervisor - explain you have a sheriff's notice for Thursday. 5. Document everything - take pictures of the sheriff's notice and any other paperwork related to the eviction. The key is to be persistent. This is considered an emergency situation and should be prioritized by your county office.

The system is DESIGNED to make us fail!!! I bet your landlord said they "attempted" to serve you but they NEVER DO IT RIGHT. Then they get the default judgment and next thing sheriffs showing up!!! This happened to me TWICE. The county will make you jump through 100 hoops while you and your CHILD are about to be on the street. Make sure you tell them you have NOWHERE ELSE TO GO or they'll try to tell you to go to a shelter. Keep calling until someone helps - DEMAND to speak to a supervisor if needed!!!!

oh and if ur getting CalFresh too make sure u update ur address with them asap after you move or they might cut off ur benefits happened to my sister

did u call them yet??? whats happening??

idk about calfresh but when i had section 8 and got evicted they terminated my benefits cause they said i broke the lease so just be careful what u tell them about why ur being evicted

UPDATE: Just heard back and the Temporary Homeless Assistance was approved! They're paying for a hotel for the next 16 days, which gives me time until my first paycheck and to find a new place. Thank you all SO MUCH for your advice - especially about asking specifically for the Temporary Homeless Assistance program. The worker also referred me to their Housing Support Program for help finding a new permanent place. I'm still stressed but at least my son will have a safe place to sleep.

So glad to hear the Temporary Homeless Assistance came through! That's such a relief. Just wanted to add - when you're looking for a new place, some landlords are more willing to work with CalWORKs recipients than others. You might want to ask your Housing Support Program worker if they have a list of "CalWORKs-friendly" landlords or properties. Also, if you're having trouble finding a place that will accept you, ask about the security deposit assistance - sometimes offering to pay a larger security deposit upfront (with the county's help) can make landlords more willing to rent to you. Wishing you and your son the best!