More than 230 Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHVs) are now available for individuals and families experiencing hardships in San Joaquin County. Congressman Josh Harder (CA-10) announced the availability of the 232 vouches on Tuesday, June 1. These vouchers were authorized by the American Rescue Plan that Rep. Harder voted to pass earlier this year. These vouchers will provide rental assistance to individuals and families who are experiencing one of four of the qualifying categories:

• Homelessness;

• At risk of experiencing homelessness;

• Fleeing, or attempting to flee, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking;

• Were recently homeless and for whom providing rental assistance will prevent the family’s homelessness or having high risk of housing instability.

“No one should face homelessness or housing insecurity because of this pandemic,” said Rep. Harder. “We passed this new support so we can keep families in their homes and help them get through this tough time. If you or a loved one is at risk right now, please reach out to San Joaquin County by dialing 211 or calling my office for help.”

To apply for help, individuals and families should start the pre-screening process by calling 211 from any San Joaquin phone, dialing 800-436-9997 from any other phone, or emailing 211SJ@frrcsj.org. All Emergency Housing Voucher referrals will be processed and pre-screened by 211 San Joaquin County. Verification will be requested for all families to ensure that they meet one of the four eligible categories for EHV rental assistance.

Landlords and EHV participants may receive incentives, including security deposit assistance, unit repairs, start utility service, rental application fees, vacancy loss payments, and a one-time leasing bonus.