Services and Programs » Homeless Services
Frequently Asked Questions About Homelessness
At Risk of Homelessness
There may be help available for people who are facing eviction or about to lose their housing. It’s important to reach out for help as soon as possible.
1. Call 211 or Text “HOPE” to 20121:
You can use your phone to call a number (2-1-1) or send a text message with the word “HOPE” to another number (20121). Staff will ask questions to understand what kind of help you need and give you information about where to get help. They listen carefully to each person’s story.2. Go to the 211 website:
- go to 211cc.org
- Go to the search bar at the bottom.
- Type in “Eviction Prevention Assistance”
3. Call the Bay Area Legal Advice Line at 800-551-5554
A number of programs in Contra Costa may be able to help pay for things like back rent, utilities or rental deposits. To learn what might be available:
Call 211 or Text “HOPE” to 20121:
You can use your phone to call a number (2-1-1) or send a text message with the word “HOPE” to another number (20121). Staff will ask questions to understand what kind of help you need and give you information about where to get help. They listen carefully to each person’s story.
Go to the 211 website:- Go to 211cc.org;
- Go to the search bar at the bottom of the page;
- Type in any of the following:
- “Eviction Prevention Assistance”
- “Rental Deposit Assistance”
- “Rent Payment Assistance”
- “Undesignated Temporary Financial Assistance”
For help finding affordable housing options, you may also want to try:
- Covia’s Front Porch Program has information about lower cost housing options or call 925-956-7385.
The Department of Conservation and Development website has information about affordable housing options.
Housing Basics
It really depends on your situation. Because we don’t have enough housing for everyone who needs it, we use a process called Coordinated Entry to help decide who gets help first.
To start a conversation about your options and connect with Coordinated Entry:1. Call 211 or Text “HOPE” to 20121: You can use your phone to call a number (2-1-1) or send a text message with the word “HOPE” to another number (20121). Staff will ask questions to understand what kind of help you need and give you information about where to get help. They listen carefully to each person’s story.
2. Visit a CARE Center: These centers are like community hubs. You can go there to take care of basic needs like a hot meal, taking a shower, and doing laundry. The staff at CARE Centers can also help you find other important things, like jobs or a place to live. Just remember to check their hours before you go. To get more information on CARE centers, visit our Get Help webpage.
3. Call CORE mobile outreach teams: These mobile outreach teams can travel to meet people living outside or in their cars where they are staying. You can connect to CORE by calling 211 and pressing option 3. (Note: CORE teams may not be able to respond to your call the same day. They won’t tell anyone about your immigration status. They’re there to help you figure out what programs and resources might be right for you. So don’t hesitate to reach out if you need assistance.)
If you are fleeing Family Violence: If you’re in a tough situation because of domestic violence (when someone hurts you at home), there are services and resources for people fleeing domestic violence. To find out more:1. Contact STAND! For Families Free of Violence
1-888-215-55552. Contact the Family Justice Center:
• Antioch: 925-281-0970
• Concord: 925-521-6366
• Richmond: 510-974-7200- You aren’t alone. A lot of people in Contra Costa who have jobs or other income can’t afford housing. Housing can be very expensive and hard to find but there may be some options to help you.
1. Call 211 or Text “HOPE” to 20121:
You can use your phone to call a number (2-1-1) or send a text message with the word “HOPE” to another number (20121). Staff will ask questions to understand what kind of help you need and give you information about where to get help. They listen carefully to each person’s story.
2. You can explore shared housing options like Front Porch or Sober Living Environments.
3. Also, check out the Department of Conservation and Development website for info on affordable housing.
Yes! There are programs to help you if you’ve been in jail or prison. These programs depend on the type of supervision you have after release (like Probation or Parole).
1. Formal Probation
If you’re on Supervised Probation, your Probation Officer can recommend housing options in Contra Costa County.
2. Parole:
If you’re on Parole, your Parole Officer can also suggest housing in Contra Costa County.
3. Informal Probation/Court Probation:- Unfortunately, there aren’t direct housing programs for people on Informal Probation or Court Probation but you can call 211 or text “HOPE” to 20121 for help.
- If you need emergency shelter, call 211 and choose option 3 for the CORE mobile outreach team. They may be able to connect you to shelter.
- If you can pay rent, consider enrolling in a transitional house for 6 months to a year. Some places even allow long-term room rental.
- Call 211 for information about shared housing programs.
If you’ve been in prison:
There are programs in Contra Costa County just for people like you. You don’t need to be on supervision or parole to get help with housing from these programs.
1. Shelter Inc Positive Future Program:
Call them at 925-412-3473 or visit their website.
2. The Home Coming Project:- This program is for people who’ve served 10 or more years in state prison.
- They provide shared housing assistance.
- You can find more information on their website
Resource Links:
- Contra Costa County Housing and Substance abuse resource list
Remember, there are people and resources out there to support you!
- A housing voucher is a special that helps families who don’t have a lot of money pay for their rent.
How Does It Work?
Families who qualify for a housing voucher will get help from the government to pay their rent.
How Much Do Families Pay?
Families with vouchers pay only 30% of their income toward rent. So, if they earn $100, they pay only $30 for rent.
The rest of the rent is paid directly by the government to the landlord (the person who owns the apartment).
Finding an Apartment:
The rent for the apartment must be within a certain limit set by the government.
While they can look for apartments anywhere, they usually find affordable ones in specific neighborhoods.
For more information about housing vouchers, go to Applicant FAQ’S - Contra Costa Housing Authority.
Note: While Undocumented Immigrants are not eligible to apply for federal public housing programs like vouchers for themselves, they ARE allowed to live with eligible family members who have a voucher.
System of Care Basics
- Description: Daytime drop-in centers where people can connect to Coordinated Entry and basic services.
- Who it helps: Individuals who are literally homeless. At this time, only one center (Greater Richmond Interfaith Program (GRIP) can serve families).
- How Long: No limit for how long someone can access CARE Center services
- Services: Food, laundry and shower, enrollments into Coordinated Entry, housing Focused Case Management, help with housing plans, applying for benefits and increasing income, housing problem-solving, and support with obtaining documents
- Goal: Act as a Coordinated Entry access point for people experiencing unsheltered homelessness by providing a safe, accessible place for people to access basic needs and housing focused case management.
- Examples of CARE Centers: Greater Richmond Interfaith Program (GRIP) and Trinity Center
To learn find locations and hours of CARE Centers, visit our Get Help page.
Description: Mobile outreach teams that can travel to meet people living outside or in their cars
Who it helps: Individuals who are unsheltered
How Long: No limit for how long someone can access CORE services
Services: Connections to health and behavioral health services; direct placement into shelter & warming center; connection to Community Resources (benefits, legal services, employment); vulnerability and housing needs assessments; Housing placement; transportation to appointments; support clients when encampments get cleared
Goal: Serve as a Coordinated Entry access point to connect people experiencing unsheltered homelessness to the system of care, address their immediate health and safety needs, and help them to move indoors
Note:- You can connect to CORE by calling 211 and pressing option 3 to be connected to a CORE dispatcher.
- CORE is NOT an emergency response service. You may have to leave a message with the dispatch service and/or CORE teams may not be able to respond to your call the same day.
This is not as simple to answer as it seems!
Most homeless service providers have to stick to only providing services to people who are:
- At risk of homelessness (will lose housing within 14 days); or
- Fleeing domestic violence; or
- Literally homeless (living outside, in a car, in an abandoned building, etc)
School districts that serve children in grades K-12 get use the most flexible definition which may include “couch-surfing” or families who are “doubled up” with other people in a home.
Coordinated Entry is a system used to help connect people to homeless services and ensure that the most vulnerable people get help first when there is not enough shelter or housing for everyone who needs it.
Here’s how it works:
- Getting connected: When someone doesn’t have a place to live indoors, they can connect with Coordinated Entry through one of our 3 access points (211, CARE Centers or CORE outreach). Staff will ask questions to understand what kind of help someone needs. They listen carefully to each person’s story.
- Sorting the Pieces: Just like sorting puzzle pieces, Coordinated Entry figures out how urgent the need is. When there is not enough housing for everyone, Coordinated Entry uses tools to help decide who gets help first.
- Connecting the Dots: Coordinated Entry talks to different groups that can help. They might talk to people who provide housing or other services. They connect the dots to find the best solution for each person.
To connect with coordinated entry:
1. Call 211 or Text “HOPE” to 20121: You can use your phone to call a number (2-1-1) or send a text message with the word “HOPE” to another number (20121). Staff will ask questions to understand what kind of help you need and give you information about where to get help. They listen carefully to each person’s story.
2. Visit a CARE Center: These centers are like community hubs. You can go there to take care of basic needs like a hot meal, taking a shower, and doing laundry. The staff at CARE Centers can also help you find other important things, like jobs or a place to live. Just remember to check their hours before you go. To get more information on CARE centers, visit our Get Help webpage.
3. Call CORE mobile outreach teams: These mobile outreach teams can travel to meet people living outside or in their cars where they are staying. You can connect to CORE by calling 211 and pressing option 3. (Note: CORE teams may not be able to respond to your call the same day. They won’t tell anyone about your immigration status. They’re there to help you figure out what programs and resources might be right for you. So don’t hesitate to reach out if you need assistance.)
If you are fleeing Family Violence: If you’re in a tough situation because of domestic violence (when someone hurts you at home), there are services and resources for people fleeing domestic violence. To find out more:1. Contact STAND! For Families Free of Violence
1-888-215-55552. Contact the Family Justice Center:
• Antioch: 925-281-0970
• Concord: 925-521-6366
• Richmond: 510-974-7200- Description: Emergency Shelter provides a temporary safe overnight place, usually in a congregate setting (shared space with other people), for individuals or families who are literally homeless.
Who it helps: Individuals or families who are literally homeless. Open beds go first to seniors, families with children, or people with acute medical or mental health issues.
How Long: For most shelters, there is no time limit for how long someone can stay.
Services: Most will provide Housing Focused Case Management to help people create a housing plan and help get documents needed for housing; information and referrals for other services they may need; and at least 2 meals a day.
Goal: The aim is to give individuals stability and support while they work toward finding a permanent place to live.
How to Connect: For a list of shelters in Contra Costa, visit our Get Help page.
Examples of Emergency Shelter: Brookside Shelter, Calli House, Concord Shelter, or Mountain View Family Shelter - Description: Interim Housing provides a safe place for individuals or families who are literally homeless and have an identified pathway towards permanent housing (for example, has a housing voucher but has not yet found a unit). It’s typically a non-congregate sleeping arrangement (i.e. individual rooms with doors that close), and offers a basic level of supportive services, individual privacy, security, and space to keep belongings.
Who it helps: individuals or families who are literally homeless with an identified pathway to permanent housing.
How Long: Usually from six months to two years.
Services: Housing location, employment support, housing financial assistance and other case management services focused on housing goals.
Goal: The aim is to give individuals stability while they wait for their identified housing situation to be finalized.
How to Connect: To learn more about how to connect with Interim Housing in Contra Costa, visit our Get Help page.
Examples of Interim Housing: Delta Landing - Description: Long-term rental support and services
Who It Helps: People who have been homeless for a year or more AND have a disability.
How Long: People can stay in the program for as long as they need it.
Services: Supportive services focused on housing retention and improved quality of life, which can include recovery support and behavioral health care.
Goal: The focus is on keeping people housed and helping meet their needs.
How to Connect: People are referred through the Coordinated Entry Process - Description: Short-term rental assistance and services to move people into housing quickly.
Who it helps: People who are literally homeless who will be able to pay their own rent after the program ends.
How Long: Usually somewhere between six to 24 months.
Services: Rapid rehousing has three main components: Housing Identification, Rent and Move-In Assistance (financial assistance) and Case Management and services.
Goal: Help unsheltered people get housing quickly, increase self-sufficiency, and stay housed.
How to Connect: People are referred through the Coordinated Entry Process - Definition: Transitional housing can be a stepping stone to get people ready for a permanent home.
Who it helps: In Contra Costa, we have transitional housing programs for Transition Aged Youth (ages 18-24) and Veterans.
How long: People typically get help between 6 months and two years.
Services: Temporary housing with supportive services like case management, counseling, and life skills training.
Goal: Stabilization and addressing underlying issues (such as employment, mental health, or substance use) before moving to permanent housing.
How to Connect: People are referred through the Coordinated Entry Process
Examples of Transitional Housing: Mary McGovern House (for Transition Aged Youth: ages 18-24), Pomona (for Transition Aged Youth: ages 18-24)
Unsheltered Homelessness
A number of shelter and/or housing programs allow pets! As you’re getting connected to a shelter or housing program, ask staff about pet rules.
Visit our Get Help page to start getting connected to services.
To find out about possible available overnight shelter:
1. You can call some shelters yourself.
2. Some shelter beds are filled by CORE mobile outreach. To reach CORE, call 211 and press option 3.
If you are fleeing Family Violence: If you’re in a tough situation because of domestic violence (when someone hurts you at home), there are services and resources for people fleeing domestic violence. To find out more:
1. Contact STAND! For Families Free of Violence
1-888-215-55552. Contact the Family Justice Center:
Note: In Contra Costa, there aren’t enough beds for everyone who needs a safe place to sleep. Each night, there are only a few beds that people can use. Open beds usually go first to seniors, families with children, or people with intense medical or mental health issues. Despite the shortage of beds, we encourage you to reach out because the number of open beds changes daily.
• Antioch: 925-281-0970
• Concord: 925-521-6366
• Richmond: 510-974-7200If you or your family don’t have a place to live, there are programs and services that may be able to help.
Here’s how you can find out what’s available:1. Call 211 or Text “HOPE” to 20121: You can use your phone to call a number (2-1-1) or send a text message with the word “HOPE” to another number (20121). Staff will ask questions to understand what kind of help you need and give you information about where to get help. They listen carefully to each person’s story.
2. Visit a CARE Center: These centers are like community hubs. You can go there to take care of basic needs like a hot meal, taking a shower, and doing laundry. The staff at CARE Centers can also help you find other important things, like jobs or a place to live. Just remember to check their hours before you go. To get more information on CARE centers, visit our Get Help webpage.
3. Call CORE mobile outreach teams: These mobile outreach teams can travel to meet people living outside or in their cars where they are staying. You can connect to CORE by calling 211 and pressing option 3. (Note: CORE teams may not be able to respond to your call the same day. They won’t tell anyone about your immigration status. They’re there to help you figure out what programs and resources might be right for you. So don’t hesitate to reach out if you need assistance.)
If you are fleeing Family Violence: If you’re in a tough situation because of domestic violence (when someone hurts you at home), there are services and resources for people fleeing domestic violence. To find out more:1. Contact STAND! For Families Free of Violence
1-888-215-55552. Contact the Family Justice Center:
• Antioch: 925-281-0970
• Concord: 925-521-6366
• Richmond: 510-974-7200I lost my housing because I’m trying to get away from a scary and unsafe situation at home (domestic or family violence). What kind of help can I get?
When someone is running away from a scary and unsafe situation at home, we call it “fleeing domestic violence.” If you’re fleeing domestic violence, there may be services and resources for you. To find out more:
Contact STAND! For Families Free of Violence:
1-888-215-5555Contact the Family Justice Center:
- Antioch: 925-281-0970
- Concord: 925-521-6366
- Richmond: 510-974-7200
To get information about programs that can help with showers and/or laundry for people who are unsheltered:
1) Call 211 or Text “HOPE” to 20121: You can use your phone to call a number (2-1-1) or send a text message with the word “HOPE” to another number (20121). Staff will ask questions to understand what kind of help you need and give you information about where to get help. They listen carefully to each person’s story.
2) Go to the 211 website- Go to the search bar at the bottom.
- Type in “Public Showers/Baths” to see a list of places that can help.
- Many of them help with showers AND laundry.
3) Visit a CARE Center: These centers are like community hubs. You can go there to take care of basic needs like a hot meal, taking a shower, and doing laundry. The staff at CARE Centers can also help you find other important things, like jobs or a place to live. Just remember to check their hours before you go.
You will NOT be reported to Immigration Services if you reach out for help with housing or shelter. If you or your family are undocumented and don’t have a place to live, there may be programs and services that can help you.
To find out what help may be available:
1. Call 211 or Text “HOPE” to 20121: You can use your phone to call a number (2-1-1) or send a text message with the word “HOPE” to another number (20121). Staff will ask questions to understand what kind of help you need and give you information about where to get help. They listen carefully to each person’s story.
2. Visit a CARE Center: These centers are like community hubs. You can go there to take care of basic needs like a hot meal, taking a shower, and doing laundry. Staff at CARE Centers can also help you find other important things, like jobs or a place to live. Just remember to check their hours before you go. To get more information on CARE centers, click here.
3. Call CORE mobile outreach teams: These mobile outreach teams can travel to meet people living outside or in their cars where they are staying. You can connect to CORE by calling 211 and pressing option
(Note: CORE teams may not be able to respond to your call the same day.)
They won’t tell anyone about your immigration status. They’re there to help you figure out what programs and resources might be right for you. So don’t hesitate to reach out if you need assistance.
If you are fleeing family violence: If you’re in a tough situation because of domestic violence (when someone hurts you at home), there are services and resources for people fleeing domestic violence. To find out more:
- Contact STAND! For Families Free of Violence
888-215-5555 - Contact the Family Justice Center:
- Antioch: 925-281-0970
- Concord: 925-521-6366
- Richmond: 510-974-7200
Note: While Undocumented Immigrants cannot apply for federal public housing programs (like housing vouchers) for themselves, they ARE allowed to live with eligible family members who have a voucher.
- Contact STAND! For Families Free of Violence
The Winter Nights Program has a safe-parking program located in Antioch where people can park their cars safely overnight.
- They provide a bathroom, light meals, access to a shower and help connecting to other services
- The programs are available all year and can fit up to 20 cars each night.
- If you want more details or need a spot, call 925-435-2074
My children and I don't have a place to stay. Is someone going to take my children from me if I reach out for help with housing/shelter?
Being homeless is NOT a crime and being homeless with children, by itself, is not a reportable issue . There are services to help your family stay together, get inside and stay safe.
To get help:
1. Call 211 or Text “HOPE” to 20121: You can use your phone to call a number (2-1-1) or send a text message with the word “HOPE” to another number (20121). Staff will ask questions to understand what kind of help you need and give you information about where to get help. They listen carefully to each person’s story.
2. Visit a CARE Center: These centers are like community hubs. You can go there to take care of basic needs like a hot meal, taking a shower, and doing laundry. The staff at CARE Centers can also help you find other important things, like jobs or a place to live. Just remember to check their hours before you go. To get more information on CARE centers, visit our Get Help webpage.
3. Call CORE mobile outreach teams: These mobile outreach teams can travel to meet people living outside or in their cars where they are staying. You can connect to CORE by calling 211 and pressing option 3. (Note: CORE teams may not be able to respond to your call the same day. They won’t tell anyone about your immigration status. They’re there to help you figure out what programs and resources might be right for you. So don’t hesitate to reach out if you need assistance.)
If you are fleeing Family Violence: If you’re in a tough situation because of domestic violence (when someone hurts you at home), there are services and resources for people fleeing domestic violence. To find out more:1. Contact STAND! For Families Free of Violence
1-888-215-55552. Contact the Family Justice Center:
• Antioch: 925-281-0970
• Concord: 925-521-6366
• Richmond: 510-974-7200There are a few options for people who need essential supplies like clothing, blankets, and hygiene products.
1) CORE Mobile Outreach: These mobile teams can bring clothes, blankets and tents to people who are unsheltered. You can connect to CORE by calling 211 and choosing option 3.
2) Call 211 or Text “HOPE” to 20121: You can use your phone to call a number (2-1-1) or send a text message with the word “HOPE” to another number (20121). Staff will ask questions to understand what kind of help you need and give you information about where to get help. They listen carefully to each person’s story.
3) Go to the 211 website- Go to the search bar at the bottom.
- Type in “Clothing Donation Programs” for information about how to get clothes
- Type in “Public Showers/Baths” for shower/bathing programs that often provide clothes and hygiene supplies too.
There are a few options for people who need food that doesn’t have to be cooked.
1) Call 211 or Text “HOPE” to 20121: You can use your phone to call a number (2-1-1) or send a text message with the word “HOPE” to another number (20121). Staff will ask questions to understand what kind of help you need and give you information about where to get help. They listen carefully to each person’s story.
2) Go to the 211 website- Go to the search bar at the bottom.
- Type in “Soup Kitchens” to see a list of places that can provide a cooked meal.
3) Go to the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano County website and click on “Find Food.” Some food pantries let you select the food that you want and the Community Produce Programs will give you fresh fruit and vegetables that you do not need to cook.
4) If you are currently experiencing homelessness and in need of food, visit a CARE Center: These centers are like community hubs . You can go there to take care of basic needs like a hot meal, taking a shower, and doing laundry. The staff at CARE Centers can also help you find other important things, like jobs or a place to live. Just remember to check their hours before you go. To get more information on CARE centers, visit our Get Help page.
5) CORE Mobile Outreach: These mobile teams can bring snacks and water to people who are unsheltered. You can connect to CORE by calling 211 and pressing option 3. Note: CORE teams may not be able to respond to your call the same day.