Rental and eviction assistance resources,
housing information, and housing navigation

Community Action Marin helps individuals and families apply for Housing Assistance through the Chronicle Season of Sharing Fund.  The Chronicle Season of Sharing Fund operates year-round and works with Bay Area households who have exhausted other resources and support from family, friends, and organizations, and are striving to overcome an unexpected financial challenge or crisis. The Season of Sharing Fund provides short-term, one-time assistance with:

• Rent, whether it’s first months rent or back rent to prevent eviction
• Mortgage Payments, including current payment or those that are past due
• Security Deposits

The maximum amount of assistance provided is $5,000 and assistance can be coupled with other resources, including what the applicant can pay, in order to cover the full cost of a housing expense.  Payments are made in the form of a grant directly to the supplier of services, such as the landlord.

When applying for the Season of Sharing Fund, applicants must:

• Have their eligibility status validated by supporting documentation
• Show a W9 from their landlord
• Provide proof that they will have the means to cover their housing and living expenses in the months following receiving assistance,

See how the Season of Sharing Fund helped a Marin widower
retain his apartment —and a sense of dignity.

The goal of the Housing Assistance Program is to resolve the immediate crisis and help the individual or family regain long-term self sufficiency. See below for eligibility requirements and required documentation and submit a service inquiry form here to get started. You can also email efn@camarin.org with questions.

Community Action Marin is proud to be a Community Supports provider and is here to help those eligible for Medi-Cal receive one-time assistance with Housing Deposits and Housing Navigation. 

Get assistance with finding, securing, and funding basic housing.  This can include: 

• Security deposits and/or first and last month’s rent required to lease an apartment or home 
• Set up fees, deposits, and/or first month coverage for utilities such as phone, gas, electricity, heating, and water 
• External services, like a one-time cleaning or pest eradication or related supplies, that are necessary for an individual or family’s health and safety 
• Household appliances such as an air conditioner or heater, or other medically-necessary health equipment like hospital beds, hoyer lifts, or air filters that are necessary to ensure an individual’s access and safety in the home

Eligibility Requirements

• Those who are experiencing homelessness or are precariously housed 
• Experiencing health, disability or behavioral health conditions including Housing First, Harm Reduction, Progressive Engagement, Motivational Interviewing and Trauma-Informed Care  

Provides help with obtaining housing including: 

• Conducting a tenant screening and housing assessment to identify preferences and barriers to tenancy 
• Developing a housing support plan with short- and long-term goals, and what is required to meet them 
• Looking for housing and presenting options 
• Assisting with completing housing applications and required documentation to secure housing 
• Aiding in benefit advocacy, including help with obtaining identification and documentation for SSI eligibility and the application process 
• Identifying and securing resources to help with subsidized rent or to cover expenses like security deposits, moving costs, and other one-time expenses 
• Helping with requests for reasonable accommodation  
• Educating and engaging with landlords  
• Ensuring the living environment is safe and ready for move in 
• Arranging for and supporting details of the move 
• Creating a housing support crisis plan that includes early intervention services when housing is jeopardized 
• Coordinating, securing, or funding non-emergency, non-medical transportation to assist with mobility and access to housing options and/or accommodations for accessibility
   

Eligibility Requirements

• Experiencing homelessness or precariously housed 
• Possess significant barriers to housing stability and have one or more chronic conditions; 
  • a serious mental illness 
  • are at risk of institutionalization or overdose 
  • require residential services because of substance abuse or a serious emotional disturbance 
  • are receiving Enhanced Care Management 
  • are a transition age youth with one or more convictions, a history of foster care, involvement with the juvenile or criminal justice system, have a serious mental illness, and/or a child with serious emotional disturbances who have been victims of trafficking or domestic violence. 

Documents Needed

• Social Security Card 
• Birth Certificate 
• Prior Rental History 

The Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) provided over 1,500 Marin County residents, particularly households of low-income, female-headed households, and people of color, with a critical lifeline to prevent eviction and displacement.

From November 2022 through January 30, 2024, the program served 885 Marin households with $6,242,591 in ERAP funding disbursed. Most of the assistance (80%) went to arrears payments, helping Marin households catch up on past-due rent and utilities.

ERAP has had tremendous positive impact on housing stability for individuals and families across Marin County as well as local landlords who play an important role in our county’s affordable housing ecosystem. At the same time, it has also contributed to county-level goals of addressing homelessness, preserving affordable housing, and building a racially equitable community.

View the ERAP final report and learn more about our housing justice advocacy efforts.